JEFFREY REINHART jreinhart@LNPnews.com
Lampeter-Strasburg quarterback Brett Graeff only played the first half in the Pioneers’ Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 opener against Annville-Cleona last Saturday.
But wow, what a half it was for the Pioneers’ senior signal-caller, who completed 5-of-8 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns in L-S’s 46-0 victory.
Graeff, in his second season as the Pioneers’ full-time starter, hit senior Justin Taylor for a pair of scores: a 14-yarder and a 59-yarder, and he hit senior Abe Mellinger for a 39-yard TD.
For his efforts, Graeff is the New Era Player of the Week.
Graeff will head into this Friday’s Section 3 showdown at Lancaster Catholic as the top-rated quarterback in the L-L League. Through four games, the 5-10, 165-pounder has completed 60 percent of his passes – 24-of-40 – for 520 yards with seven touchdowns against just one interception.
His passing efficiency rating is a cool 222.0.
“When we need to throw, Brett is making good plays,” L-S coach John Manion said. “That shows his maturity as a quarterback. He has weapons, and they’re all athletic kids. I think Brett, when he has to read the field against a solid defense that can make plays, mixes it up really well.”
Graeff mixed it up with us in the latest round of the New Era’s Five Questions:
ANY WIN IN SECTION 3 IS A GOOD WIN. HOW IMPORTANT WAS SATURDAY’S WIN OVER ANNVILLE-CLEONA?
“It was the first section game, and we felt like we had something to prove to the league. We played disciplined and everyone was on the same page. Everyone was focused. That game was a major confidence booster because every aspect of our game came together. It was the kind of game we needed going into Lancaster Catholic.”
AH YES, LANCASTER CATHOLIC. YOU GUYS HAVE DEVELOPED A NICE RIVALRY WITH THE CRUSADERS. GIVE US YOUR SCOUTING REPORT FOR FRIDAY’S GAME:
“Catholic is a very physical team that plays all four quarters. We’ll have to match that. I’m trying not to let all the hype get to me, actually. I’m trying to stay focused on what I have to do to lead the team. But it’s definitely exciting to be playing in a game of this caliber. And this is my senior year, and it’s the last shot I have at Catholic, so this game is important to me.”
COCALICO KNOCKED YOU OFF IN THE SEASON OPENER, BUT YOU’VE WON THREE GAMES IN A ROW. WHY THE TURNAROUND?
“I think we took the Cocalico game for granted. We weren’t really in the swing of things yet, and we were too hyped up because it was the first game. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you hope. Our work ethic in practice has changed a lot since then. And we realized that we’re not just going to walk all over everybody. We have to work for what we want to get done.”
WOW, SECTION 3 IS A TOTAL MEAT GRINDER. WHAT’S IT LIKE PLAYING IN THIS SECTION?
“We try and make sure that we all take it one game at a time. There is no looking forward, because pretty much every team in Section 3 is capable of beating you. I look forward to competing against teams that I know are going to be challenging. I like the fact that anything can happen at any time.”
A NON-FOOTBALL QUESTION TO WRAP IT UP: SO WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?
“Hmmm. I’d have to say (teammate and classmate) Rob Zimmerman. I’ve known Rob since Midget Football … D team or C team. We fish together … do outdoor stuff together.”
