Eugene Booth-Conrad Weiser

It was a thrilling fall in Robesonia. The Scouts went unbeaten in the regular season for the first time since 1996. They rallied to beat Cocalico 24-21 for the Section 3 championship. Conrad Weiser bounced back in a big way to finish (10-1) after going (2-8) in 2023. There were 20 seniors on last year’s roster which means plenty of holes to fill. Donovan Gingrich, a three-year starter at quarterback, threw for nearly 4,000 yards in his career. Evan Rittle, who was twice named Wide Receiver of the Year in his section, also graduated. Ashton Kiebach, Davis Keppley, Jonathan McQuillen, Evan Miller, Gionni Messersmith, Kaleb Britting, Charlie Shimp, Kaleb Holl, and Mason Gechter have moved on as well. In addition, right guard Jack Heckman has opted not to play this season. Despite all of that, Eugene Booth remains optimistic. “We’re all ready and excited for this upcoming season. We’re ready to prove to ourselves again that it wasn’t a mistake last year,” he said. Booth was named a first team defensive lineman a season ago. The 6’2, 275-pound senior had 29 tackles and three tackles for loss. “Booth is a force at defensive tackle. He often draws double teams. He has a real nose for the ball and is difficult to block one-on-one,” noted head coach Alan Moyer. He’s entering his 23rd year at the helm of the Scouts. Moyer owns the school record for wins with a mark of (148-96). He was voted the BCFCA Big School Coach of the Year and the BCIAA Coach of the Year in 2024. “He’s seen football longer than I’ve been alive. He knows everything and he’s a great coach,” remarked Booth. Moyer played for Conrad Weiser and spent fifteen years as an assistant in Robesonia.

The Scouts return just three starters on offense and four on defense. Dylan Parr (6’3, 170) will be a key target for junior quarterback Connor Sellars. Parr had 23 receptions for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. He was a first team selection at defensive back in Section 3 after making a team-high four interceptions. Javien Rivera was averaging 5.6 yards per carry before suffering a broken foot in Week 8. The 5’8, 155-pound senior ran for 476 yards and 10 TD. Nate Gilfert, a 245-pound senior, is the lone returning starter on the offensive line.

The race in Section 3 should be interesting. Solanco brings back ten starters on offense, including All-State running back Johnny Garcia, and nine on defense. Dane Horning enters the 2025 campaign with 2,272 career rushing yards for Cocalico. The Eagles won eight games before getting tripped up in the District 3-5A quarterfinals. Their season ended on the same night that Conrad Weiser fell to eventual state champion Bishop McDevitt 42-7. Manheim Central missed the District 3 playoffs for just the second time since 1991. The Barons will be motivated after an uncharacteristic (3-7, 1-5) season. “It’s great competition in the entire section. Everyone is gonna have to work to get that section title,” acknowledged Booth.

The Scouts open the season at Abington on August 22nd. In Week 2, they host ELCO for a rare Thursday night game. Cocalico doesn’t visit Conrad Weiser until October 17th. Moyer will once again be counting on Booth to stuff the run. “He worked hard in the offseason to get better,” said Moyer.