Alan Moyer-Conrad Weiser

After a (2-8) campaign last fall, Conrad Weiser was determined to turn things around. “We have a very good memory. These last two years have been difficult, but this group really made a commitment in the offseason,” said longtime head coach Alan Moyer. The Scouts won just five games over the past two seasons. They’re off to a (2-0) start in 2024. Conrad Weiser dominated ELCO 31-7 on Thursday night in Myerstown. The Scouts scored on their first five possessions and outgained the (0-2) Raiders 318-to-153. Conrad Weiser set the tone with an 80-yard opening drive. Donovan Gingrich avoided a sack, rolled right and found Evan Rittle for a 4-yard touchdown pass on 4th down. Rittle was named the Wide Receiver of the Year in Section 4 last season. “Him and Donovan work very well together. They have a real good connection,” noted Moyer. That score was set up by a 61-yard pass down the left sideline to Dylan Parr. Gingrich, who’s up to 200 pounds this year, capped a 56-yard drive with a 6-yard TD run early in the second quarter. “Instead of absorbing hits, I think he’s delivering blows and getting those extra yards that maybe he didn’t get before,” replied Moyer. Gingrich finished 9-of-12 for 127 yards. The three-year starter ran five times for another 35 yards. Rittle provided five receptions for 42 yards. Javien Rivera went untouched up the middle for a 5-yard score with two minutes remaining in the first half. The Scouts forced a three-and-out and got the ball back at their 45-yard line with 1:27 on the clock. That possession ended with a 32-yard field goal by Alex Malone with 13 seconds to go before halftime. It was 24-0 at the break. Following a 1-yard punt into a very strong wind, Conrad Weiser took over at ELCO’s 43-yard line. Another 5-yard touchdown run by Rivera expanded the cushion to 31-0 with 3:43 to play in the third quarter. The 5’8, 150-pound junior had 82 of the team’s 191 rushing yards. “His height is to his advantage. He kind of sneaks behind the big linemen. He’s explosive,” stated Moyer. Rivera got a team-high eleven carries. Jonathon McQuillen added 41 yards on seven carries. He’s a 5’8, 155-pound senior who attends Tulpehocken. The Scouts’ offensive line averages 248 pounds. The Raiders cashed a short field into their only touchdown with 2:08 left. Zane Trostle took a pitch from senior quarterback Steven Rosado for a 13-yard score. Rosado ran for 60 yards and threw for just 57. He was 8-of-15 with an interception. The Raiders have been outscored 64-13 in two games. They won eight games and reached the District 3-4A quarterfinals in 2023. Meanwhile, Conrad Weiser could get to (3-0) with a win next week against Lebanon. “This is not a result of anything but hard work,” said Moyer.