Sam Orzolek-Exeter

Coaches often say that most football games are won up front. The (10-3) Eagles controlled the line of scrimmage in their thrilling 31-28 victory at Gov. Mifflin for the District 3-5A championship. Exeter ran for 238 yards against the previously unbeaten Mustangs. Gov. Mifflin was ranked #1 in the state in Class 5A. Left tackle Sam Orzolek helped to open holes for Eric Nangle who finished with 225 yards on 40 carries! Orzolek is one of the captains on the first Exeter team to capture a District 3 title. The 215-pound senior tries to lead by example. The Eagles lost at Hempfield back in September after knocking off Wilson in an emotional game. Orzolek knows that they can’t have another letdown this Friday vs. District 7 champ Penn-Trafford. Exeter will have a two and a-half hour drive to Bald Eagle High School in Wingate for that state semifinal. I asked Orzolek what movie he would want to watch on the way there. We also talked about his favorite pregame music. Orzolek told me that he prefers playing defense, but he doesn’t want offensive line coach Kerry Ciatto to know that, haha. He’s fourth on the team in tackles with 51. The defensive tackle has eight TFL and three sacks. He recovered a fumble in the District 3 Final at Gov. Mifflin. The Eagles defeated Manheim Central and Cedar Cliff before eliminating the Mustangs. Not too shabby for a #7 seed. Plus, I found out why Orzolek’s nickname is “snoop”. He also mentioned his favorite teachers and classes at Exeter.