For the record, this was by far the most difficult section to predict, and I really mean that.
You could make a case for any of these teams to be at or very close to the top of the Section 2 charts come Nov. 2.
I spend a lot of time in Section 2 in my travels, so I’ve gotten to know all of these programs pretty well over the last couple of years – the coaches, the kids who are coming through right now, etc.
And this was the first time in a few years that I just could not figure out which order to slot these teams. No clue. Zero.
After staring at a blank screen for about 15 minutes (and contemplating coin flips or a dart board), here’s what I came up with:
Manheim Central
Conestoga Valley
Lebanon
Ephrata
Elizabethtown
Solanco
Garden Spot
Cocalico
Let the onslaught of angry e-mails begin!
I gave the nod to Central because the Barons didn’t win anything last year, and if that doesn’t motivate them, nothing will. … I’m sure coach Mike Williams reminded his crew every day this summer that they didn’t bring a section championship trophy home last fall for the first time since Wilson won Section 2 in 1999. And it was their long-time archrival, Conestoga Valley, which swooped into Manheim, knocked off the Barons and sashayed out of town with the hardware. You just know that’s driving them completely nuts. … And when Central fell to South Western in the District 3 Triple-A semifinals last fall, it snapped the Barons’ three-year run of district crowns (OK, so they’ve won 15 titles, but who’s counting, right?). … Central is young, but does have some depth on the line, and Williams always seems to find the right mix amongst his skill kids (young or old, experienced or not) to put points on the board. … The Barons’ Veer/spread attack is always a nightmare to contend with (particularly when they go 5-wides after running the ball like 12 times in a row), no matter who is under center or running the pass patterns. … Senior RB Tony Ferrari, who had a coming-out party of sorts in the playoffs last fall, should be the feature back. He can scoot. … Junior QB Jeremy Knosp has the keys to the offense, and if he stays healthy, he should have those keys for the next two years. So Central should get some continuity from the QB spot, which is always a big help. They’ve had a string of 1-year guys lately. … Knosp’s favorite target should be senior WR Mike Stum. Williams spoke very highly of him in the preseason. Stum is 6-2, so he should be tough in traffic. Fade pattern to the corner of the end zone, what?… Junior center Riley Clugston anchors the line – a line Williams said is young, but has awesome potential. … I think Central gets its Section 2 title back, but could have a tougher time getting its District 3 Triple-A title back. Of course, it’s August, so what do I know? Stay tuned.
CV, the reigning section champ for the first time since sharing the Section 2 crown with Cedar Crest in 1997, returns four guys in the trenches (C Simeon Mellinger, OG Ross Hall, OG Tanner Edgell and OT Brandon Jordan, who are all big dudes, by the way) plus soph scatback Kevin Kelley, who had a breakout freshman year with 785 yards 9 TDs. He’s the real deal. … But a new QB (Matt Zigment, who passed for 5,081 yards and 46 TDs the last two years is gone) and new wideouts (bye-bye two-time All-State WR Ty Bynum and his electric skills) might be too much to overcome. … I think the Bucks will still be competitive as all get-out, thanks to last year’s great ride – which has everyone’s spirits high around Witmer. But a repeat won’t be easy. … Week 10: Central at CV. Barons should have major revenge on their minds. Not so sure this game will be for the section title like last year. But the pads should be absolutely cracking that night in Witmer. It should be just like old times.
Lebanon is my sleeper team. I’m sure a lot of eyebrows went up when they saw the Cedars third on my list. Hey, deal with it. … Former CV and Wilson coach Jim Cantafio (who applied for the head-coaching jobs at Hempfield and Penn Manor earlier this year, but was denied in both attempts to get back into the L-L League) tutored Lebanon’s quarterbacks earlier this summer, and that should definitely help. … Junior QB James Capello, who passed for 784 yards and 5 TDs as a freshman before cracking his collarbone and missing most of last season, is back under center. He’s an athlete. … Cantafio made such an influence on Cedars’ coach Gerry Yonchiuk that he’s dubbed this year’s offense “Air Raid” – which, quite frankly, is the coolest name for an offense that I’ve ever heard. Wishbone is a close second. … Here’s another kid to keep an eye on: senior LB Joel Ramos, who had 76 solo tackles last fall. … Ramos and his D mates have some major work to do. Lebanon finished dead last in the L-L League in total defense last fall, yielding a whopping 385.7 yards per game. The Cedars also gave up 3,273 yards rushing, by far the most in the league. They gotta clean that stuff up. Period. … Despite those otherwise unsightly defensive numbers, watch out for the Cedars. Seriously.
Ephrata has been an enigma the last couple of years. I pick them to go 3-7 and they go 7-3. I pick them to go 8-2 and they go 2-8. It’s been Frustration City with these guys. … I will say this: Longtime coach Ken Grove has already announced that he’s stepping down after this season, and if that doesn’t motivate the Mountaineers to go out and make it a memorable season for their coach, then I’m not sure what will. … Key here for me is the o-line, and that unit keeping senior QB Blake Crowther healthy. Seems like that kid takes a lot of hits, and he’s playing free safety also this season, so he’ll be doing plenty of hitting on defense. … If Crowther is healthy and the Mounts can rally around their outgoing coach, Ephrata could do some things. … I’d love to see them send Grove out a winner. He’s taken a ton of slack in the community, so to see him go out a winner would be sweet in my book. Enjoy your final ride, Kenny.
E-town is intriguing because the Bears return some nice offensive guys, like third-year senior QB Preston Faith (who stepped up in the passing department last fall, throwing for 1,148 yards), his favorite target, senior WR Nate Koach (28 catches in 2006), and the double-barreled backfield duo of senior Andrew Weller (a stud LB also) and junior Shane Rosenberry. More on Weller to follow. Do keep reading. … Three linemen (OG Anthony Durante, OT Evan Good and C Sean McMullen) are also back in the stable, and you can never, ever have enough experienced lineman around. … The Bears missed out on Districts by one win last year (they haven’t been to the postseason since 1989, the year Central eked out an unforgettable 15-14 win over the Bears in the Triple-A finale), and that should fire them up. … I miss the late-80s, early-90s E-town. Jack Cassebaum. Andy Breault. Eric Clair. Those guys slugged you in the mouth and had epic battles with Central and CV. Not that this group won’t slug you in the mouth, but if the Bears play with some fire and passion, there’s no reason to believe they can’t challenge Central or make Districts.
Solanco is doing some things, and people are starting to sit up and take notice. … Coach Joe Pearson has installed a spread-option Wing-T attack (which is almost cooler than Air Raid, but not quite), and it’s causing some fits. … Pearson, who went 0-10 in his first season before jumping to 4-6 last fall once he got his feet wet, and his kids believing in his system, must replace multi-purpose threat QB Dustin Musselman, who did a nice job running that attack last year (senior Kyle Braightmeyer and junior Ben Miller were battling for the keys to the offense in camp). … Here’s a name to remember: Mike Brooks. The junior RB can run and is terrific in space (football term), and the more he touches the ball, the better. … Those 96-0 days are long gone (sorry, Quarryville. I’ll try and never mention that again). The Mules mean business, and don’t be surprised if they inch closer to the .500 mark (or over it), while scaring the living daylights out of everyone in doing so. … It must be en vogue to play football again at Solanco: Pearson has 57 kids on his preseason roster. Nice.
Garden Spot will have plenty of speed to burn (even with the loss of RB Ross Shober and his 1,200-plus yards), but the Spartans’ offensive line took a major graduation hit when trench stalwarts Corey Nuse, Tim Ferstler, Mark Horst, Ben Busch and Andrew Farnsworth moved on. … If the new guys can keep senior QB Tyler Horst, a third-year starter, on his feet, Garden Spot should make plenty of plays with quick wideouts Sean Beahan, a senior, and Weston Martin, a junior, on the flanks. I totally dig the word flanks, by the way. … D allowed 1,365 passing yards last year – most in the league. … Line play (with some new linemen) is critical for these guys. If they can block on offense and clog up the middle on D, the Spartans will be in the race, and will push for a return trip to Districts.
Cocalico is about a year away from making a major ruckus. … The Eagles’ junior-high program has been beastly the last couple of years, and those guys are almost ready for primetime. … In the meantime, Cocalico will keep everyone honest with its tricky Veer attack, and coach Dave Gingrich is a terrific X and O guy and motivator. … But the Eagles will be plugging some holes at some key spots, particularly QB and FB, which are mucho important positions in a Veer attack. … Last year’s FB, Devin Orme, led the L-L League in rushing with 1,444 yards and 13 TDs, and he’ll be missed. Terribly. … I hate picking these guys last (honest), but considering last year’s (shocking) 2-8 finish, and how far along everyone else in Section 2 has come, I had to. So don’t hate me, Denver. … But do check back in a year or so here. The future is bright at Cocalico.
Here’s even more on each Section 2 team, listed in predicted order of finish:
MANHEIM CENTRAL BARONS
Coach: Mike Williams (27th season; 270-51-3 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: 2006 (Lost to South Western in the Triple-A semifinals).
Last year: 6-1 Section 2 (2nd place), 11-2 overall (Lost to South Western in the District 3 Triple-A semifinals).
Biggest loss: Easy. Two-way lineman and three-year starter Marcus Zimmerman, who was the heart, soul and pulse of the team. … He was the king of the locker room, and everyone followed his lead on the field. … Reigning Section 2 Defensive Lineman of the Year and Outstanding Lineman of the Year. … Zimmerman went on to reach the state heavyweight wrestling bout last winter (after playing both ways in 13 grueling football games), so that ought to tell you about his work ethic.
Base offense: Veer option.
Base defense: 4-4.
2006 offense: 379.2 yards per game (1st in L-L League).
2006 defense: 179.5 yards per game (3rd in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Jeremy Knosp, 5-11, 181-pound junior quarterback – Has only taken a handful of varsity snaps for the Barons, but he’s the most experienced kid coming back, and he’ll replace Tylar Stauffer, the fifth-most efficient QB in the league last fall. … Missed a good chunk of last season with an injury. … Should get two years on the job if he stays healthy and can lead the offense. … Starting quarterback. Manheim Central. ‘Nuff said.
Circle your calendars: Nov. 2 @ Conestoga Valley – Regardless of what the standings say, the Barons should be breathing fire on this night. This rivalry went away for a few years there (Central won 18 in a row, including postseason, before last season), but after what the Buckskins did last year in Manheim, it’s officially back on. That should be a fun week, eh?
CONESTOGA VALLEY BUCKSKINS
Coach: Gerad Novak (13th season; 65-60 overall).
PIAA Class: Quad-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: 2006 (Lost to Governor Mifflin in the Quad-A quarterfinals).
Last year: 7-0 Section 1 (champions), 9-3 overall (Lost to Governor Mifflin in the District 3 Quad-A quarterfinals).
Biggest loss: Practically everyone would say QB Matt Zigment or WR Ty Bynum, but I’m going with LB Brad Herr, who was a total monster on defense (55 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and four QB hurries … yikes!) and also caught 6 passes – 2 for TDs – from his tight end spot. … Reigning Section 2 Linebacker of the Year.
Base offense: Spread.
Base defense: 4-4.
2006 offense: 325.6 yards per game (6th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 253.2 yards per game (8th in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Jedd Dillman, 6-0, 175-pound senior wideout/linebacker – He’s one of just two returning starters on defense (along with LB Juan Figueroa) for the Bucks, who took some serious graduation hits. But the Section 2 championship trophy is resting comfortably in Witmer, and that’s all that really matters, right? … Was an All-Section LB pick last year, and will be the Bucks’ defensive ringleader. … Will play more wideout this year because of his experience and athleticism. He’s not Bynum, but he will make plays. … Wants to attend med school.
Circle your calendars: Nov. 2 vs. Manheim Central – Like I said above, Central should come into this game with a major chip on its shoulder. The Bucks better ready, or their winning streak in this rivalry won’t reach two.
LEBANON CEDARS
Coach: Gerry Yonchiuk (2nd season; 2-8 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: Never qualified.
Last year: 1-6 Section 2 (8th place), 2-8 overall.
Biggest loss: When the Cedars were left scrambling early on when QB James Capello went down with a broken collarbone, shifty running back Benaly Ortega stepped up and took over the running chores, piling up 553 yards (5.9 per tote, which isn’t too shabby) and 9 TDs to help keep Lebanon’s offense afloat. … Ortega also played LB, so he’ll be missed on both sides of the ball this fall.
Base offense: Air Raid.
Base defense: 4-4.
2006 offense: 257.8 yards per game (19th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 385.7 yards per game (24th in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: James Capello, 6-1, 180-pound junior quarterback – He missed most of last year with a broken collarbone (after opening some eyes his freshman season), but has worked hard to recapture his starting spot. … As previously mentioned, he spent some time with former L-L League coach and QB guru Jim Cantafio, who knows a thing or two about signal-callers (hello, Chad Henne). If those lessons pay off, the Cedars are going to surprise some people. Remember, you heard it here first.
Circle your calendars: Sept. 14 @ Elco – They should call this one the Bologna Bowl (insert rim shot here). Thanks. I’m here all week. Enjoy the roast beef. … Elco won 13-12 last year, in the first football game ever between these cross-town foes. .. Should be a great game for Lebanon County football. Let the bologna flow in pre– and post-game tail-gaiting functions. OK, enough bologna (or is it baloney) jokes.
EPHRATA MOUNTAINEERS
Coach: Ken Grove (18th season; 79-94-3 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: 1987 (Lost to Bishop McDevitt in the Triple-A semifinals).
Last year: 2-5 Section 2 (T-7th with Cocalico), 2-8 overall.
Biggest loss: I might make you scratch your head here, because I’m going with a (gulp) punter. … Greg Edleman, who averaged 36.9 yards per punt, including a 62-yard boot and 16 punts downed inside the opposition 20-yard line, was a second-team Associated Press Triple-A All-State pick last fall. … Edleman is now punting at Shippensburg University. … Quarterbacks, wideouts and running backs will come and go. But how can you possibly replace an All-State punter? There’s no denying it: The kid was a major weapon.
Base offense: Multiple.
Base defense: 4-4.
2006 offense: 286.9 yards per game (15th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 348.7 yards per game (23rd in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Blake Crowther, 6-0, 170-pound senior quarterback/free safety – Nobody will ever forget his first varsity experience with the Mountaineers, when Crowther tossed 14 TD passes and led Ephrata to a 4-0 record at the tail end of his sophomore season in 2005. What a start. Man, he was incredible. … He followed that up by passing for 921 yards and 7 TDs – against just 5 picks – last fall, while earning All-Section honors at d-back. … Reigning Section 2 Defensive Back of the Year. … He’ll switch to free safety this fall, so he’ll be a busy boy. … If the Mounts are going to send Grove out right, they’ll need a big season on both sides of the ball from Crowther. I fully expect him to deliver. But he’ll need help. Step up and send your coach out right, guys.
Circle your calendars: Sept. 14 @ Warwick – The George Male Trophy will be up for grabs when these bitter backyard rivals square off in Lititz. … Warwick won last year 39-18 in Ephrata. … It doesn’t always get the ink like other hot rivalries around the county (Hempfield-Township, CV-Central), but Ephrata-Warwick is a real doozie, year in and year out.
ELIZABETHTOWN BEARS
Coach: Jeff Polites (8th season; 32-38 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: 1989 (Lost to Manheim Central in the Triple-A title game).
Last year: 4-3 Section 2 (3rd place), 5-5 overall.
Biggest loss: I’m going lineman again, this time Brett Pickel, the Bears’ underrated offensive guard. … It ain’t easy blocking in the Wing-T, but Pickel did such a nice job in his E-town career, he landed at Division II Millersville, where he’ll block for the Marauders. … Kids like this (unselfish, willing to give up their bodies) are tough to replace.
Base offense: Wing-T.
Base defense: 4-4.
2006 offense: 300.7 yards per game (13th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 291.8 (14th in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Andrew Weller, 5-8, 190-pound running back/linebacker – The Bears’ outstanding two-way threat rushed for a team-high 528 yards and 9 TDs on offense, and was an All-Section pick at LB last fall. … He’s a stud, and the Bears need him to play like one.
Circle your calendars: Sept. 21 @ Lebanon – It’s the Section 2 opener for both teams, and someone is going to get an early leg up in the race. … E-town and Lebanon are both projected as middle-of-the-pack teams for now (that’s what it says here, at least), so this game is pertinent.
SOLANCO GOLDEN MULES
Coach: Joe Pearson (3rd season; 4-16 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: 1991 (Lost to McCaskey in the Quad-A semifinals).
Last year: 3-4 Section 2 (T-4th with Garden Spot), 4-6 overall.
Biggest loss: QB Dustin Musselman, who really got the knack of operating out of a shotgun system, will be missed for sure. … He passed for 957 yards and 9 TDs and rushed for 515 yards and 3 more scores piloting Solanco’s spread offense. Someone has some big shoes to fill.
Base offense: Spread Wing-T.
Base defense: 3-5.
2006 offense: 301.3 yards per game (12th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 298.7 (15th in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Mike Brooks, 5-7, 155-pound senior running back/defensive back – Brooks is a scatback personified. If he gets his hands on the ball (rushing, receiving, returning, turnover) he’s a threat to run a long, long time. … Rushed for 281 yards (7.6 per carry) and caught 24 passes for 381 yards (15.9 per catch) and 5 TDs last fall. … Also made 43 tackles and picked off a pass from his DB spot. … This kid is flat pesky, and is going to cause defenders major problems. And he’s got a thumper FB (6-1, 195 senior Neil McGettigan) to set picks. Beware the Spread Wing-T.
Circle your calendars: Sept. 22 (a Saturday) vs. Cocalico – It’ll be Hall of Fame night, and it’ll also be the only game going on across the league that night, so there should be a big crowd, and the spotlight will be shining squarely on Quarryville. … The Mules would love to steal that spotlight, and show the rest of Section 2 that they mean business.
GARDEN SPOT SPARTANS
Coach: Matt Zamperini (2nd season; 5-6 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to the District 3 playoffs: 2006 (Lost in Triple-A first round to South Western).
Last year: 3-4 Section 2 (T-4th with Solanco), 5-6 overall (Lost to South Western in the first round of the District 3 Triple-A playoffs).
Biggest loss: Speedy RB Ross Shober, who finished third in the L-L League rushing race with 1,197 yards (5.9 per carry) and 17 TDs during the regular season. And his 204 carries were second-most in the league, so he was durable. … This kid can run like the wind. He was a track star, too. But his ball-carrying abilities will definitely be missed on the gridiron.
Base offense: I.
Base defense: 5-2.
2006 offense: 284.5 yards per game (16th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 269.3 yards per game (11th in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Tyler Horst, 6-1, 187-pound senior quarterback – Set to begin his third season as the Spartans’ starter, so he knows this offense like the back of his hand. … Was just the 18th-ranked passing efficiency leader in the L-L League last season, but still completed 102 passes for 1,358 yards and 9 TDs. The 16 picks hurt him. He’ll have to cut down in that department this fall. … With All-Section pick Sean Beahan and Weston Martin at his disposal, he has great pass-catch partners. But with a revamped line in front of him, he’ll need protection to deliver the ball. … Still, a seasoned veteran who has been through countless Section 2 wars. And he took this team to Districts last year, so he knows the drill.
Circle your calendars: Sept. 7 vs. Columbia – Garden Spot added the Crimson Tide to its schedule last year, and this is a very intriguing game, considering Columbia is a Double-A program playing up against a Triple-A program. Oh, and the Tide is pretty good. … In case you missed it, Columbia topped Garden Spot 26-20 a year ago. … Bottom line here: This is a fun game for the county, and both teams will definitely learn a lot from this one.
COCALICO EAGLES
Coach: Dave Gingrich (4th season; 16-15 overall).
PIAA Class: Triple-A.
Last trip to District 3 playoffs: 2005 (Lost to Manheim Central in Triple-A quarterfinals).
Last year: 2-5 Section 2 (T-7th with Ephrata), 2-8 overall.
Biggest loss: Two of them – Option whiz QB Kyle Payne and powerful FB Devin Orme. … Payne passed for just 254 yards and 3 TDs, but he excelled when he called his own number, rushing for 944 yards (6.4 average) and 10 scores. … Orme won the L-L League rushing derby with 1,444 yards (6.6 average) and 13 TDs. Those guys did a lot for the program.
Base offense: Veer.
Base defense: 4-4.
2006 offense: 311.7 yards per game (9th in the L-L League).
2006 defense: 321.3 yards per game (18th in the L-L League).
Spotlight on: Zeb Rineer, 5-8, 210-pound senior two-way lineman – First and foremost because he’s got a cool name. And he’s a good player to boot. … This kid’s ticker is always going. … Last fall he made 39 total tackles from his defensive tackle spot – 15 solos – and led the Eagles with 8 tackles for losses. He also had a pair of QB sacks. So he can blow up a backfield. … Rineer will also start at offensive guard, anchoring that line as well. You go, Zeb.
Circle your calendars: Oct. 5 @ Manheim Central – This game won’t have the juice surrounding it like the Eagles’ and Barons’ last two or three matchups. … But if there is one team in the L-L League in which you measure your program against, it’s Central. And this will be Cocalico’s chance to see where it stands, and what the future may hold. And if you’ve been reading along, I’ve already told you Cocalico’s future is very bright.
JEFFREY REINHART jreinhart@LNPnews.com
