Riley Martinez-Exeter

Riley Martinez suffered a fractured fibula in his right leg during a Week 7 matchup with Muhlenberg last year. That injury has given Exeter’s quarterback a new perspective. “I learned I can’t take anything for granted…it’s been a long journey,” remarked Martinez. The 6’3, 205-pound senior burst onto the scene in Reiffton as a sophomore when he threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite missing time last fall, Martinez finished with 1,016 passing yards and 16 TD. He took care of the football, ending the season with just three interceptions.

The (12-2, 5-1) Eagles reached the District 3 Championship for the third time in four years. After falling to Bishop McDevitt 48-14, Martinez said they took about two weeks off and then got right back to work. That meant hitting the weight room from 5:45-7:30am. “It’s been a grind, but we all lead our younger guys to want to be as great as we can on and off the field,” noted Martinez. Exeter returns seven starters on each side of the ball. The Eagles have great depth at tight end including Aidan Dauble, Braylon Reinert, and Berks Catholic transfer Jackson Kozik. Dauble (16 ppg.) and Reinert were starters on Exeter’s basketball team, along with WR/DB Jayden Ware. Dauble, a three-year starter, piled up 67 tackles in 2024. The 6’2, 215-pound senior was voted a first team linebacker in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Ware (6’, 160) had seven touchdown receptions and a team-high three interceptions. Jake Hafer and Jake Franek, both baseball players, will join Ware in the receiving corps this fall. Hafer filled in admirably at quarterback when Martinez was hurt last season. The speedy Leo Brown has big shoes to fill at running back. All-State selection Jayden Zandier set single season and career rushing records last year. Zandier ran for 2,086 yards and 30 TD a season ago. Logan Wegman, another All-State pick, has moved on to the Naval Academy. However, the Eagles return three starters on the offensive line. Joel Ummarino, Kevin Oswalt, and Andre Osborne are back in the trenches. Ummarino (6’1, 270) was a first team DL and a second team OL in Section 2 last year. He racked up 12.5 tackles for loss. Oswalt won the BCIAA individual wrestling championship at 215 pounds as a sophomore. He was named a second team OL/DL in Section 2 in 2024. Exeter has put together 14 consecutive winning seasons, and Martinez likes how this group is getting along. “We’re gonna have the better chemistry so we can outperform them on the field, even if they’re better on paper,” he replied.

Matt Bauer is entering his 17th season at the helm. He owns the school record for victories with 125. The Eagles have won 106 games over the past twelve years. Exeter opens its season versus rival Daniel Boone on August 22nd at Don Thomas Stadium. This will be their 67th meeting. The Eagles haven’t lost to the Blazers since 2011. Exeter travels to Conestoga Valley in Week 9 for a key Section 2 battle. The Buckskins prevailed 28-27 in the regular season last year, but the Eagles got revenge with a 48-14 rout in the District 3-5A semifinals. Exeter has qualified for the District 3 tournament 13 times in the past 14 seasons. Martinez is healthy and looking to do big things this fall. “We’re gonna try and put on a show this year,” he stated.