Jim Burkman

by Jim Burkman
SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

Section I of the BCIAA had a different view this year.  Gone were Conrad Weiser and Twin Valley (both moved to Section II), and Reading, who is not participating.  Enter Berks Catholic, who moved from Section II.  During the previous nine years, the Saints won five Section II titles with a combined record of 45-5.

With a section record of 3-0, Berks Catholic visited the Governor Mifflin Mustangs (also 3-0 in the section) on Friday with the title on the line.  While Berks Catholic was successful in Section II over the last nine seasons, the Mustangs were taking care of business in Section I.  They were 55-2 with seven titles over the past nine seasons.  If this were a boxing match, Mills Lane would’ve said, “Let’s get it on.”  But if this really were a boxing match, it would’ve been a first-round TKO.

Governor Mifflin scored on its first eight out of nine possessions, on their way to a dominating 62-7 victory and another BCIAA Section I title.

After holding the Saints to a game-opening three and out, the Mustangs scored on the second play from scrimmage.  Connor Maryniak (7 of 12, 117 yards, 2 TDs) hit Greg Suber (3 receptions, 53 yards, 1 TD) for a 41-yard pass and run.  Jackson Schools kicked the PAT for a 7-0 lead.

The Saints turned it over on their next possession.  Governor Mifflin’s Brandon Strausser took the handoff on the first play and ran 16 yards untouched for their second score.  The PAT made it 14-0.

After another three and out, and a 19-yard punt, Mifflin had a first down at the Saints 30-yard line.  Five plays later, Nick Singleton (14 carries, 191 yards, 3 TDs) ran in from one yard out.  The extra point gave the Mustangs a 21-0 lead with 4:50 still to play in the first quarter.

Berks Catholic put together a nice drive on their next possession aided by a 43-yard run by Christian Cacchione (10 carries, 57 yards), but a fourth and goal attempt came up short, and Mifflin took over on their own five-yard line.

On the second play of the Mustang’s possession, Singleton ran up the gut, untouched, for a 93-yard touchdown run.  The kick made the score 28-0 with 23 seconds to play in the first quarter, and the rout was on.

Mifflin got second-quarter scores from Ayden Martin (25-yard run), Cam’Ron Stewart (23-yard pass from Maryniak), and Brandon Strausser (4-yard run) on their way to a 49-0 halftime lead.

Starting the second half, Governor Mifflin took the kickoff and kept their starting offense on the field. However, Maryniak lined up as a receiver and Singleton was taking the snaps in the wildcat formation. Head Coach Jeff Lang said, “We told the team that we were going to run this at some point in the game. During the first half, we didn’t do it, so we needed to get it in.”  Needing only four plays, Singleton finished the drive with a 21-yard run and a 55-0 lead.

Berks Catholic’s score came on a Connor Gundersen 35-yard run in the fourth quarter.  Mifflin’s Brayden Reis rounded out the scoring with a seven-yard run.

Berks Catholic (3-1, 4-3) will travel to Donegal next Friday for their last scheduled game of the season.

Governor Mifflin (4-0, 6-0) will host Mechanicsburg in a District III 5A semifinal, also on Friday.

Postgame interview with Governor Mifflin’s Nick Singleton

 

You can follow Jim Burkman and SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

by Jim Burkman, SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

On Friday night, at Fleetwood, the host Tigers honored their seniors before taking on the Hamburg Hawks.  Both teams entered the game with 1-2 records in Section II.

Fleetwood did not waste any time getting on the board.  They received the opening kickoff and promptly drove 77 yards on ten plays in 4:44.  The score came on a Tanner Maddocks (15-35, 257 yards, 5 TDs) 28-yard pass to Wes McCalpine (5 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD).  Wes Seaman’s kick gave the Tigers a quick 7-0 lead.

The teams traded the next two possessions without scoring. Hamburg started their second possession on their own nine-yard line.  After gaining 26 yards on two plays, the Hawks fumbled.  Fleetwood recovered the loose ball at Hamburg’s 31-yard line.  On the second play, Gavin Morris (6 rushes, 49 yards, 1 TD) ran for a 31-yard touchdown.  Seaman’s kick gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead with 2:33 remaining in the first quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, Diohnny Ruiz (18 carries, 134 yards, 2 TDs) fielded the ball at his own 10-yard line and took it 90 yards to get Hamburg on the board.  Nicholas Hix added the extra point to make the score 14-7.

After three straight incompletions, Fleetwood punted, and Hamburg took over on their seven-yard line.  The Hawks proceeded to drive 93 yards on 16 plays (14 runs), converted four third downs, and take 8:49 off the clock.  They scored when Ruiz ran in from four yards out.  Hix’s kick tied the score at 14 with 4:54 left in the half.

Fleetwood’s Owen Maddocks (8 catches, 145 yards, 3 TDs) put the Tigers in great field position by returning the kickoff to Hamburg’s 40-yard line.  But after four straight incompletions, the last being a failed fake punt attempt, the Hawks took over with all the momentum on their side.

Hamburg needed only eight plays (seven runs), and a defensive pass interference penalty to drive 60 yards and take the lead.  Mitchell Watt ran it in from the two.  Hix kicked the PAT, and the Hawks led 21-20 with 1:14 to play until halftime.

Fleetwood used a quick strike to score on the final play of the half.  It took five plays for the Maddocks brothers to connect on the first of three TDs in the game.  Owen snagged a Tanner pass and ran for a 45-yard score as the clock hit zero.  The Hawks jumped offside on the PAT, moving the ball to the one-and-a-half-yard line.  Fleetwood opted to try for two, but failed.  Hamburg took a 21-20 lead into the locker rooms.

Hamburg started the second half by running the ball six times for 56 yards and a score.  Tristan Baer (24 carries, 120 yards, 3 TDs) scored the first of his three second-half touchdowns by going the final three yards of the possession.  Hix kicked the PAT and increased the Hawks lead to 28-20.

Fleetwood’s Matthew Pierce took the kickoff 80 yards for a Tiger touchdown.  A botched snap on the PAT left the score at 28-26 Hamburg.

Hamburg went three and out on their next possession. McCalpine returned the punt 48 yards to the Hamburg 37.  Fleetwood needed only four plays to regain the lead as the Maddocks duo connected again.  This time it was from 27 yards away.  A failed two-point attempt made the score Fleetwood 32-28 with 5:19 to play in the third quarter.

The Hawks started their next possession at their own eight-yard line.  They had nine consecutive rushes, gained 56 yards and took 6:23 off the clock. They were faced with a fourth and six from Fleetwood’s 36-yard line. Xander Menapace’s pass was intercepted by Tanner Maddocks who returned the ball all the way to the Hamburg 14-yard line.

Hamburg’s defense stood strong and forced a field goal attempt.  Seaman converted from 31 yards to boost Fleetwood’s lead to 35-28 with 9:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks would not go quietly.  They drove 12 plays for 56 yards and took 6:48 to score a touchdown.  A huge play on the drive was converting a fourth and 14 from Fleetwood’s 23-yard line with a gutsy inside handoff to Ruiz, who scampered 15 yards for the first down.  The touchdown came on a Menapace to Baer four-yard pass.  Hix converted the PAT and we were knotted at 35 with 2:33 remaining.

The Tigers tried to muster a game-winning drive.  After five plays they had the ball at Hamburg’s 45-yard line.  Maddocks thought he put his Tigers in position to win the game with a long completion to McCalpine at the Hawks 11-yard line with only 20 seconds to play, but it was called back by a holding penalty.  So, the game went to overtime.

Hamburg had the first OT possession.  Fleetwood’s defense kept the Hawks from converting a fourth and goal and handed the ball to their offense.  After three plays gave the Tigers a fourth and goal from the one-yard line, Seaman’s potential game-winning kick was blocked.

Fleetwood started OT number two.  A Maddocks’ intentional grounding penalty forced the Tigers into a third and goal situation from the 30-yard line.  Never afraid, the Maddocks brothers connected for a long score.  Seaman’s PAT put the Tigers up 42-35.

An unsportsmanlike conduct call against Fleetwood allowed Hamburg to start their possession at the five-yard line.  On the first play, Baer galloped in untouched for the touchdown.  Hix kicked the PAT and we were going to a third OT tied at 42.

Hamburg needed only two plays to score in the third OT.  Baer rushed in from four yards away.  Hix converted the extra point to give Hamburg a 49-42 lead.

Fleetwood also only needed two plays to score.  Maddocks hit Gage Moyer for a 10-yard touchdown reception.  Seaman kicked the PAT to tie the game 49-49 and send us to a fourth OT.

The Tigers had the first possession in the fourth OT.  An incomplete pass on fourth down gave the ball to the Hawks with an attempt to win the game.  Hamburg wasted no time.  On first down, Ruiz scampered around the left end and dove into the endzone, setting off a crazy victory mob for the Hawks.  Hamburg beat Fleetwood 55-49 in the first-ever 4OT high school football game in Berks County history.

All totaled, Hamburg controlled the ball for more than 33 of the 48 regulation minutes and gained 359 of their 398 yards on the ground.  They improved to 2-2 on the season and travel to Twin Valley next week.

Fleetwood gained 257 of their 322 yards through the air and dropped to 1-4 on the season.  They travel to Upper Dauphin next week.

Here is a link to our Livestream of the entire game:

Here is a link to my post-game interview with Hamburg’s Diohnny Ruiz:

You can follow Jim Burkman and SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

🏈  EASTERN PA FOOTBALL ON ROKFIN: If you enjoy Eastern PA Football’s ongoing coverage of football in Pennsylvania, please consider subscribing to my Rokfin channel here. Subscribers get full access to all of my player rankings, previews, stats, recruiting news and more – as well as full access to other Rokfin channels like Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report, NFL Draft Scout and College Football Today.

Follow SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

On a chilly, late summer evening, the Scouts and Tigers met in a BCIAA Section 2 game at Fleetwood. Conrad Weiser, coming off of a 6-6 campaign in Section 1, and Fleetwood, coming off of an 8-3 season, were both looking to start the 2020 season with victories.  

With a fan base of about 30 on hand, the Scouts got on the board first. Senior Iann Firestone (4 rushes, 24 yards) ran in from four yards out. The PAT was blocked and the Scouts led 6-0.  Fleetwood answered right back, taking the ball 80 yards on seven plays.  Junior Tanner Maddocks (11 for 28, 220 yards, 2 TDs) found senior Wesley McCalpine (2 receptions, 33 yards) for a 22-yard pass and score.  The extra point put the Tigers ahead 7-6 with 6:08 to play in the half.  

Conrad Weiser scored on their next possession as Firestone again found pay-dirt. His run from two yards out put the Scouts back in front.  A failed two-point attempt made the score 12-7. Again, Fleetwood would respond. Maddocks completed a long pass to senior Matthew Peirce for a 70-yard touchdown. A failed PAT made the score 13-12 Fleetwood.  

The offensive first half continued when Conrad Weiser junior quarterback Logan Klitsch (13 for 19, 272 yards, 1 TD and 14 carries for 70 yards and 2 TDs) found junior Aanjay Feliciano (7 catches, 160 yards, 1 TD) for a 56 yard touchdown.  A double reverse two-point attempt (Erik Moyer throwing to Cameron Jones) took us to the break with Conrad Weiser leading 20-13.  

The Scouts dominated the second half.  Klitsch scored twice on runs of 8 and 18 yards.  A game that could have had many more points if it weren’t for penalties (14 for Weiser, 11 for Fleetwood), ended with the Scouts winning 34-13.  The biggest difference in the game was Conrad Weiser’s ability to establish a running game (39 carries for 169 yards) when Fleetwood could not (24 carries for 37 yards).  Next week Conrad Weiser will host Twin Valley on Friday evening while Fleetwood will travel to Wyomissing for a Saturday matinee.

by Jim Burkman, SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

After being knocked out of the District III playoffs by Middletown in each of the last three seasons, Wyomissing earned a hard fought 24-21 championship on their home field.  With the District III’s new policy of highest seed hosting the championship game, the #2 seed Raiders had to travel to #1 seed Wyomissing to play for their 4th consecutive championship.  This year, the Spartans had different plans for the outcome and won the eighth District III championship in school history, and first since 2014.

Wyomissing won the coin toss and deferred until the second half.  They then used a pooch kick to surprise Middletown and recovered the ball on the Raiders 45 yard line to start the game.  They drove 31 yards on seven plays and got the first points; a 31-yard field goal from Aidan Cirulli.

After a Raiders punt, the Spartans offense went right back to work.  They ran 17 plays, gained 66 yards, and used 9:23 of game clock to score again when Evan Niedrowski (17 – 109) banged it across from one yard out.  The drive was aided by a defensive penalty that gave them a first down, and by two, fourth-down conversions.  Cirulli’s extra point gave Wyomissing a 10-0 lead with 7:43 to play in the first half.

The next two drives both ended in punts, and Middletown took over on their 40 yard line with 2:58 remaining in the first half.  It only took five plays for them score.  Quarterback Tony Powell (6 of 15 for 160) threw a gem to Jarrod Pugh for 46 yards and the touchdown.  Nolan Sessa’s kick made the score 10-7 at the half.

Wyomissing received the second half kick, but was forced into a three and out punt.  Middletown took possession at their 30 yard line.  They needed only three plays to strike big again.  This time Powell found Chris Joseph for 81 yards and a touchdown.  Sessa’s kick gave the Raiders a 14-10 lead with 9:00 minutes to play in the third quarter, and marked only the second time all season that Wyomissing trailed in a game.  (The first was in week two when Pottsville took a 20-14 lead in overtime.  Wyomissing won that game 21-20).

The Spartans came right back.  Quarterback Jordan Auman (5 of 7 for 118) found Darren Brunner for a 62 yard catch and run touchdown.  Cirulli converted the extra point and gave Wyomissing a 17-14 lead.

Middletown fought like a three-time defending champion should.  They took the next possession on their 21 yard line and held the ball for fourteen plays.  On a first and goal from the five, a touchdown run was taken off the board by a chop block that moved the Raiders back to the twenty yard line.  Two plays later, Wyomissing’s do-everything senior, Max Hurleman intercepted a pass that killed the drive with no points.

On the Spartans first play of the next possession, Niedrowski crashed through the middle and ran 62 yards before being tackled at the Middletown 21 yard line.  Three plays later, Auman and Hurleman connected on a 21-yard pass and score.  Cirulli extended the lead to 24-14 with only twelve seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The Raiders again went back to work offensively.  One play after a Wyomissing personal foul gave the Raiders a first down, Pugh made an incredible diving catch for a 22 yard gain and gave Middletown the ball in Wyomissing territory.  On the drive’s thirteenth play, Jose Lopez (18 – 132) scampered to the endzone from 13 yards out.  Sessa’s extra point cut the lead to 24-21 with 6:44 remaining.

A great kickoff return by Wyomissing’s Amory Thompson gave the Spartans possession at the Middletown 48 yard line.  After five running plays, the Spartans had third and seven at the 27.  However two consecutive incomplete passes turned the ball over on downs, and the Raiders had 3:35 to work with.

Powell handed the ball to Lopez on six straight plays.  On the third play, Lopez galloped 38 yards and was tackled at Wyomissing’s 26 yard line, and the Raiders had a first down with plenty of time on the clock.  Three plays later they faced a fourth and twelve from the 28.  The first pass play of the drive was intercepted by Wyomissing sophomore Tommy Grabowski, and the Spartans took over with 1:16 remaining.

With Middletown having no timeouts, the Spartans were able to run out the clock and secure their championship.

Jordan Auman, a pre-season wide receiver and third string quarterback, discussed taking over as the starting quarterback after week one starter Zach Zechman went down with a season ending injury.  “Everyone has trust more.  We all blended together.  Adding Evan to the backfield really helped us.  I have trust in my receivers and the line blocked well.”

Evan Niedrowski, PIAA champion in the javelin, was asked about his 62-yard run.  “I’ve never run that far before.  Maybe in youth.  A javelin runway is only 30 meters, I think.”

Tommy Grabowski said of his game clinching interception, “It was scary, but the coaches prepare us for that.  Every pregame we practice fourth and long so we’re prepared and everybody does their job.  It felt amazing.”

With the win, the Spartans advance to next Friday’s PIAA quarterfinal game against Tamaqua.  The site of that game has not yet been released.

Follow Jim Burkman on

Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports

Twitter – @SpotlightBerks

Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

by Jim Burkman, SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

A bend, don’t break defense, and a rushing attack that accumulates 305 total yards, led the Berks Catholic Saints to a 14-7 victory over the Gettysburg Warriors in the quarterfinal round of the District III 4A tournament.

In typical playoff football, defense and a ground game were key factors in being successful.  Friday night’s game at Forino Sports Complex on the Berks Catholic campus was no different.  The first five possessions (three for the Saints and two for the Warriors) all ended in punts.  The last punt gave the ball to Gettysburg on their own seven yard line.  They drove eighty-three yards in fifteen plays, taking seven minutes and twenty-six seconds off of the clock, but didn’t score any points.  A fourth and six rushing attempt from the Saints fifteen came up inches short of a first down, and Berks Catholic took possession.

It only took the Saints three plays to travel ninety yards and score.  Abdul MacFoy (14 – 110) started the drive by running twice, and getting the ball out to mid-field.  After an unsportsmanlike penalty set Berks Catholic back to their thirty-six yard line, Colby Newton (7 – 121) took a hand-off straight up the middle and raced sixty-four yards for the games first points.  Alex Zavala kicked the extra point, and the Saints led 7-0.

The second half started like the first half.  Three straight possessions ended with punts.  Berks Catholic took possession at their twenty-nine yard line.  With five running plays, the Saints went seventy-one yards, finished by MacFoy’s thirty-five yard burst.  Zavala’s kick put the Saints ahead 14-0.

In true Warrior fashion, Gettysburg came right back.  They took possession of the ensuing kickoff at their own fifteen yard line, and drove eighty-five yards in twelve plays.  The five minute, fourteen second drive ended when quarterback, Zach Ketterman ran in from one yard out.  Zach Parr converted the extra point, and Gettysburg was within 14-7 with 10:08 remaining in the game.

In the next Saints possession, the Warriors pounced on a fumble and recovered at their own forty-two yard line.  However, the Saints defense came up huge, forcing a three and out punt.  With less than eight minutes on the clock and the ball at their own twenty-three yard line, the Saints faced a third and seven.  CJ Carwll (10 – 60), ran around the end for thirty-five yards, and a first down.  After six more runs, Berks Catholic was stopped on a fourth down attempt, and Gettysburg took possession at their own thirty-five with 2:58 remaining.

Two passes from Ketterman (6 – 12 – 49 yards) to William Warren (4 – 37), and two runs by Gunner Pennington (16 – 117) had the Warriors facing a fourth and one from the Saints thirty-nine yard line with 1:30 left in the game.  An attempted screen pass fell incomplete, and the Saints took possession.  Three plays in the victory formation ended the game, and Berks Catholic celebrated their win.

Newton stated, “I knew coming into this game that we had to prepare really well and I think that we did, and it showed in the outcome of the game.”  MacFoy said, “It shows that we all work hard so as a team we can get better every week.”  Carwll added, “I’m just trying to contribute as much as I can.  If they need two or three yards they know I’m here to get it for them and occasionally bounce it outside and try to be like them.”

With the win, the Saints advance to the semifinal against Milton Hershey, a 22-10 winner over Conrad Weiser.  That game will be played on Friday, November 15 at Milton Hershey’s Spartan Stadium beginning at 7:00pm.

Gettysburg’s season ends with a record of 8-3.

Follow Jim Burkman

Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports

Twitter – @SpotlightBerks

Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

by Jim Burkman

SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

Logan Klitsch took over as Conrad Weiser’s starting quarterback in week three. “I bring more tempo. I had to earn respect from everyone, but they believe in me now. I get in the huddle, tell them what’s up, and drive the ball down the field”. On Friday, Klitsch (8 of 15 for 236 yards and 3 TDS) led the ten seed Scouts offense that racked up 384 yards and defeated the seven seed Fleetwood Tigers. Klitsch’s touchdown passes all came on screen passes that turned into long plays. “The screen game is always affective. We practice it every day. I get the ball to the play makers and they make the plays,” he said.

Fleetwood opened the scoring with its best drive of the game. The Tigers used 14 plays to travel 43 yards in six minutes and twenty-six seconds. The drive ended with a 37-yard field goal by Wes Seaman.

Conrad Weiser got on the board when Owen Dautrich (14 for 103) scampered 18 yards for a touchdown that ended a six play drive over 51 yards. The extra point put the Scouts ahead for good, 7-3.

One minute and thirty-eight seconds later, Klitsch and CJ Civiello connected for a 49-yard catch and run, one play drive and touchdown. The extra point was blocked, and the Scouts lead was 13-3.

After a Fleetwood fumble, Conrad Weiser needed two plays to score again. This time Klitsch hit Dalton Moyer for a 31-yard score and a 20-3 lead.

Fleetwood then drove 80 yards in two minutes and twenty-one seconds, helped by a Weiser roughing the passer call on an incomplete fourth down pass, and scored when Charlie Maddocks ran in from three yards out. The extra point was no good, but the Tigers cut the lead to 20-9 with 47 seconds left in the half.

The Scouts quickly drove to the Tigers 28 yard line and Matt Noll tried a 45 yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining. The kick was no good, but the Tigers were called for running into the kicker. Noll then nailed a 40-yard kick to end the half with a 23-9 advantage.

Conrad Weiser used three, third quarter touchdowns to start the running clock rule. Klitsch passed to Moyer for another score. This one from 50 yards. Dautrich had his second score of the game. This time from 1 yard out. And Klitsch scored on the ground with a 1-yard run of his own. The third quarter ended with Conrad Weiser leading Fleetwood 44-9.

The Tigers finished the scoring with Charlie Maddocks throwing to his brother, Owen, for a 28-yard touchdown, making the final score 44-15.

Fleetwood’s record setting season ends with an 8-3 record. Head Coach Sean Gaul said, “The three losses are to teams who are still alive in the playoffs. These guys have lots of heart. They were tired of being a pushover. They started working in January. The seniors wanted to be remembered for something they were good at. We set a school record for wins and they took us to districts for the first time ever. This is sour now, but the underclassmen have something to build on”.

Conrad Weiser (6-5) advances to the District III 4A quarterfinal next Friday when they travel to Milton Hershey for a 7:00pm showdown.

Follow Jim Burkman on

Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports

Twitter – @SpotlightBerks

Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

by Jim Burkman, SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

Abdul McFoy rushed for 231 yards and four touchdowns, and returned a kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown, leading the Berks Catholic Saints to a 49-20 victory over the Fleetwood Tigers.

McFoy got the scoring started on the Saints second possession by going 65 yards on the first play, giving Berks Catholic a 7-0 lead. After a Fleetwood turnover, McFoy went 19 yards on the first play, extending the Saints lead to 14-0.

Fleetwood pulled to within 14-7 when Quarterback, Charlie Maddocks connected with his brother, Tanner, for a 26 yard touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, McFoy scooped up a squib kick at his own 27 yard line, and raced to the end zone for a 21-7 lead. After Berks Catholic stopped the Fleetwood offense on downs, McFoy scored on a 73 yard run. For the record, that is four touchdowns on five touches for Abdul McFoy, and the Saints took a 28-7 lead into halftime.

Defense prevailed in the third quarter as both offenses were held in check. Fleetwood got to within 28-13 to start the fourth quarter as Christian Moreno scored from nine yards out. The PAT was no good. The Saints defense took control from there by causing three Fleetwood turnovers and a failed fourth down attempt. During that same stretch, Berks Catholic’s offense scored on three consecutive possessions; a seven yard run by CJ Carwll, a 20 yard run by McFoy (his fifth touchdown of the game), and a 13 yard run by Colby Newton. Their lead had grown to 49-13 and the running clock was enforced.

Fleetwood scored the game’s final points with six seconds remaining. Christian Moreno took a short pass from Maddocks and ran down the side line for a 50 yard score. The PAT made the final score 49-20 in favor of Berks Catholic.

McFoy said, “I’ve been pretty banged up and this is the first game I’ve been 100%”. Head Coach, Rick Keeley said of McFoy, and his injury, “We had to battle to get to this point. It’s the same offense, with or without him, it’s just more speed with him, so it works better”.

Berks Catholic improves to 4-0 in Berks II, 6-3 overall, and will play unbeaten Wyomissing next week. Asked about the upcoming game, McFoy stayed, “The atmosphere is gonna be crazy. It’s gonna be magical. I can’t wait.”

Fleetwood is 2-2 in Berks II, 7-2 overall, and will play Kutztown next week.

Like and follow SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS on

Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports

Twitter – @SpotlightBerks

Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

by Jim Burkman
SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

With one minute and eleven seconds remaining in the 4th quarter, Exeter and Conrad Weiser were tied at 21, and the Eagles had the ball at their own 37 yard line. Exeter Coach Bauer called a time out to set up a play. Exeter quarterback, Gavin McCusker (9 of 16 for 220 yards) took the snap and fired a strike to Alex Javier who raced untouched to the end zone for a game winning 63 yard touchdown and a 28-21 lead. Javier stated, “I feel like no one will catch me from behind”. Ty Yocum ended the game for Exeter with and interception, allowing them to run out the clock.

The Scouts opened up a 14-0 lead with 1:17 remaining in the first half with touchdown runs from Owen Dautrich (5 yards) and Dalton Moyer (20 yards). Up to that point it was all Scouts. They had 30 offensive plays for 177 yards and held the ball for 14:21. On the other sideline, Exeter had 12 plays for 15 yards and only 8:22 time of possession. That’s when McCusker found Javier for their first big strike of the game, a 77 yard touchdown that sparked the Eagles sideline going into the locker room, and completely changed the momentum of the game.

In the third quarter, McCusker found JR Strauss from 38 yards out, and Ty Yocum from 11 yards out, as Exeter took a 21-14 lead into the 4th quarter.

The defending Berks I Scouts would not quit. Quarterback Logan Klitsch (20 of 29 for 251 yards) led a nine play, 58 yard drive, finished by a two yard pass to CJ Civiello for the game tying score. After trading punts, Exeter started their final drive from their 20 yard line with 1:39 left on the clock. Three plays later, Javier is off to the races. He finished the game with only two catches, but they accounted for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball ten times for 65 yards.

“We feel great. We fought back. Everybody believed the whole time so I’m really proud of my team. I’m looking forward to the upcoming games. We took one step forward as a team tonight. We have a lot to improve on, but I’m confident in our team that we can run the table”, said Javier. He added, “I practiced quarterback all off season. I barely got any reps at wide receiver. When the season started we transitioned. Gavin and I have chemistry so whatever is best for the team.”

Exeter improves to 2-0 in Berks I and 4-2 overall. They face Reading (2-1, 5-1) next week. Conrad Weiser drops to 2-1 and 3-3. They have a non-conference battle next week against Susquehanna Township.

Follow Jim Burkman, SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS
Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports
Twitter – @SpotlightBerks
Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

written by Jim Burkman, SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

Berks Catholic hosted Boyertown on Friday night in a non-conference game. The Saints, missing their top two rushers due to injuries, played the best game of their season to date. Berks Catholic amassed a total of 412 yards on only 41 offensive plays en route to a dominating 49-14 victory over the Bears.

Abdul McFoy and Nolan Larkin have accounted for 83% or Berks Catholic’s ground yards during the first three games of the season. On Friday, 9 different players ran the ball 31 times for the Saints as they gained 297 yards on the ground. Connor Gundersen led the way with 8 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half. His score came on a 30 yard run, 17 seconds into the second quarter. Saints Head Coach Rick Keeley stated, “Gundersen isn’t a speed guy, but he’s a smart kid and knows to wait and hit the holes when they open”.

Berks Catholic quarterback, Brad Hoffman, had a great game under center. He completed 6 of 9 passes for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns, both to Christian Cacchione who caught 4 balls for 110 yards. The touchdown connections were beautiful corner fade routes where Hoffman laid the ball out and Cacchione ran under them. The first was from 20 yards out and the second was from 41 yards. Hoffman said, “Cash and I got that automatic connection from day 1”. Keeley added, “I didn’t realize Cacchione had that gear to go get those balls”.

Also scoring rushing touchdowns for Berks Catholic were Will DeYoung, CJ Carwll, Colby Newton, and Jack Burke.

Boyertown got second half touchdowns from Jamie Moccia and Joey Dulin.

Keeley ended by saying, “This was a good system win for us. It shows the kids coming up through the system that when needed, they will get their turn to play”.

The Saints equaled their record at 2-2 and host Malvern Prep next Friday at the Forino Sports Complex.

Follow Jim Burkman
Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports
Twitter – @SpotlightBerks
Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

With six minutes and thirty seven seconds remaining in the third quarter, Governor Mifflin tied the game at 14. Cocalico’s Steven Flinton scooped up the ensuing squib kick and raced down the middle of the field for a 76 yard touchdown. The Eagles rode the positive momentum to defeat the Mustangs 26-14 on Friday night in Denver.

Mifflin opened the scoring in the second quarter with a twelve play, 65 yard drive that took six minutes and five seconds off the clock. Nick Singleton and Kolbie Resser each ran the ball six times in the drive with Singleton scoring from three yards out.

Cocalico tied the game on a fourth down play when Noah Palm found Ronald Zahm for a 25 yard passing touchdown with three minutes and five seconds remaining in the first  half.

Mifflin fumbled at their 30 on the next drive and gave the Eagles fifty seconds to work with. On another fourth down play, Palm once again found Zahm. This time it was from six yards out with five seconds left. Cocalico took a 14-7 lead to the half.

In the second half, a poor snap on a Cocalico punt gave the Mustangs the ball on the Eagles 28 yard line. It took two plays for Singleton to run up the middle, make two cuts, and scamper 24 yards to tie the game. That set the stage for the kickoff return for Flinton. The extra point kick was blocked. Cocalico added another touchdown on a 5 yard run by Palm. The two point conversion attempt failed.

This game featured a combined 81 rushing attempts to only 23 passes. It also had a combined ten 4th down attempts. With the win, Cocalico stays perfect at 3-0, and Mifflin drops to 0-3.

by Jim Burkman
SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

Spartan kicker Aidan Cirulli converted his third PAT of the game in the 2nd OT to lift Wyomissing to a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Pottsville Crimson Tide. After Damon Yost scored his second TD of the overtime sessions, the Tide were called for a false start on their PAT attempt and head coach Tom McGeoy elected to go for two. Yost’s pass attempt to Addison Mullins was broken up by Braydon Eberhart of Wyomissing. With the Spartans on offense trailing for the first time in the game, head coach Bob Wolfrum went to the beasts up front. It took two carries by Evan Niedrowski (an offensive lineman by his number 59) to score the touchdown and give Cirulli the chance to kick the winning PAT.

The teams traded touchdowns in the second quarter. Wyomissing used a defensive interception by Amory Thompson to set up a 16 play, 72 yard, six minute and seventeen second drive ending in a Max Hurleman five-yard run for the score. Pottsville then drove 12 plays for 80 yards in 3:26, using a fake punt that gained 14 yards. Yost found Mason Barnes sliding across the back of the end zone for a 15 yard pass to tie the score 44 seconds before halftime. The second half went without any points scored.

This game was a classic case of no team deserves to lose. The victory is even sweeter for Wyomissing considering they were starting their backup quarterback, Jordan Auman, because their starter, Zach Zechman, is out with a season ending knee injury. When asked about getting the start and being prepared, Auman said, “I was getting third string reps here and there over the summer, and I have great players around me so I knew I was ready.”

Max Hurleman had another great game for Wyomissing with 82 yards on 17 carries, and 46 yards on three receptions. Damon Yost led the Tide by completing 14 of his 26 pass attempts for 144 yards.

Wyomissing improves to 2-0, and Pottsville falls to 1-1.

Follow Jim Burkman at SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS
Facebook – Spotlight On Berks Sports
Twitter – @SpotlightBerks
Instagram – spotlightonberkssports

After 48 minutes of a high school football game, there is only one statistic that matters … the final score. You can take all of the fancy numbers you want and throw them in the trash. That’s what happened Friday night at Forino Sports Complex on the campus of Berks Catholic High School.

Exeter controlled the ball for 30:43 minutes to the Saints 17:17 minutes. The Eagles ran 69 offensive plays to Berks Catholic’s 32 and out gained them 336-189. But the one stat that will haunt the Eagles is 21 penalties for 150 yards, and at the final buzzer, the Saints came away with a 14-10 victory.

Exeter opened the scoring on their first drive, taking the ball 43 yards, finished off by Jeremiah Nixon’s six-yard touchdown run. The Eagles ended the first half with an 11 play, 74-yard drive capped by a 25-yard field goal by Sean Henry.

The score remained 10-0 until Berks Catholic’s, Nolan Larkin, took a hand off 81 yards for the Saints first points with 6:49 remaining in the game. “Abdul McFoy had a really nice reach block on the edge and set me up perfectly. Clay Gibbs had a nice block on the outside that I was able to read and cut off of it. Then just go”, said Larkin.

After Exeter was forced into a 3 and out, Berks Catholic’s Abdul McFoy raced 52 yards, giving the Saints the 14-10 lead with 4:08 to play.

The Eagles were not finished. They returned the kickoff to their 36-yard line and used ten plays to get to the Saints four. On fourth and goal, Exeter’s quarterback, Gavin McCusker, looked for his number one target, Alex Javier, but Larkin had him covered and the pass went incomplete. Larkin said, “Yesterday in pregame we ran the same play and we messed up the coverage. So I kind of figured it was coming. I saw the break, so I jumped it.”

A great game by both teams. The Eagles and Saints will get back to practice and look to get better next Friday. Exeter travels to Boyertown, and Berks Catholic will play at Central Dauphin.