Berks Sports Report Paul Roberts
Central York was one of several top-notch football programs that made the trip to West Lawn in June for Wilson’s 7-on-7 camp. Five months later, the Panthers are coming back to John Gurski Stadium. This time, however, there’s a lot more at stake and the linemen get to join the party. The Bulldogs host Central York in the District 3-6A semifinals at 7pm.
Wilson is ranked #7 in the state in Class 6A by PennLive. The (10-1) Bulldogs are riding an 8-game winning streak. During that stretch, Wilson has allowed just nine points per contest. The second-seeded Bulldogs are only giving up 81 rushing yards and 197 total yards per game this season. Their defense is led by linebackers E.J. Brownback (70 tackles) and Christo Hunsicker (62 tackles). Brownback, a 215-pound sophomore, has racked up 15.5 tackles for loss. Junior safety Chase Herb has provided 42 tackles. He was all over the field in Wilson’s 34-16 victory at Manheim Township for the Section 1 championship.
The third-seeded Panthers have won eight of their last nine games. They have a dangerous passing attack with Brooklyn Nace in control. The 6’2 junior has thrown for 2,147 yards and 27 touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes. Brendyn Smith, a 150-pound junior speedster, has 64 receptions for 942 yards and 11 TD. Nace has some tall targets as well in 6’3 senior Saxton Suchanic, 6’4 senior Nasir Ruppert, and 6’2 junior tight end Colin Gurley. Suchanic is an athletic defensive back who’s committed to UConn. Legend Johnson has a team-high 560 rushing yards. The 6’2, 185-pound sophomore is averaging 5.3 yards per carry with nine scores.
Tyler Frey is one of York County’s best all-around players. The 190-pound senior recently picked up an offer from Mercyhurst. Frey has piled up 83 tackles, six sacks, and a pair of interceptions from his safety position. You will also see Frey on the offensive side of the ball. Jeremiha Hunter, a 195-pound junior linebacker, is second on the team with 76 tackles. He has 9 TFL and 7 sacks. Defensive end Malachi Ramnath (6’3, 235) is committed to Monmouth. The (9-2) Panthers feature an outstanding kicker in Matthew Parker. The senior with a very strong leg is headed to Penn State.
Madyx Gruber and Correll Akings are hoping to put off basketball season a little while longer. Gruber has 1,713 yards through the air and 691 yards on the ground. The first-year starter at quarterback has 29 combined touchdowns. He’s completing 66% of his attempts. Akings surpassed 1,000 rushing yards last week in a 28-3 win versus Cedar Crest. He’s averaging 6.3 yards per carry with a dozen trips to the end zone. Akings is also a weapon out of the backfield. Four of his 22 catches have gone to the house. Wilson utilizes four tight ends including 6’3 sophomore Michael Glover and 6’ senior Cam Zullinger. Glover has a team-high 34 catches for 531 yards and 4 TD. Zullinger is a key figure on defense as well with 13 TFL.
Wilson and Central York are no strangers to the District 3 playoffs. This is the 32nd appearance for the Bulldogs. The Panthers are in the tournament for the 18th time. Their lone title came in 2020. Wilson has claimed seven District 3 championships with the most recent coming in 2016.
