It’s not everyday that a freshman makes an impact on a varsity football team.

But last fall, Lampeter-Strasburg’s defense got some key contributions from a ninth-grader – and ninth-grader that is now a 10th-grader, and he will be one of the top 10th-graders in the L-L League this season.

He is Christian DelRocini, and he is one of the Pioneers’ speed-rushing defensive ends.

DelRocini played behind two of the top d-ends in the league last fall – Seth Rolko and All-State pick Anthony Cintron.

But when the weather got cold and L-S made its postseason run, DelRocini – his friends call him “DelRo” – started rotating in more and more on the line, spelling Rolko and Cintron … and doing plenty of damage while he was in there.

DelRocini finished his freshman season with 12 tackles – five for losses — and three sacks. He also had a pair of QB hurries.

Remember the name: Christian DelRocini. He and Zach Halpin – who will line up at the other d-end spot for the Pioneers – will do plenty of QB chasing in the coming weeks.

I caught up with DelRocini last Saturday after L-S scrimmaged Manheim Township.

In this audio interview Podcast, hear DelRocini talk about the thrill of playing as a freshman; what makes a d-end tick; and how he thinks L-S will do this year – with a bunch of new starters.

To listen, kindly click the ‘play’ button above.

If you’d like download the interview so you can play it on your favorite mp3 player, please click here.