Xaiver Gerald-Berks Catholic

Berks Catholic came into this season believing that its offensive line would be a strength. Through four games, the Saints are averaging 320 rushing yards per game and 7.4 yards per carry. “Amazing, I think we have a really good O-line this year,” said senior running back Xaiver Gerald. The 5’10, 185-pound speedster is averaging a staggering 14.3 ypc. Gerald has racked up a team-high 429 yards and five touchdowns on 30 carries. He erupted for 215 yards and a pair of scores against Bethlehem Catholic two weeks ago. Gerald did all of that damage on just seven carries. His touchdown runs were from 96 and 74 yards. Palmer Reber, Eric Bennethum, Anthony Zatorski, Peter Schmehl, and Colton Drumheller are the guys up front who are paving the way.

Berks Catholic got a boost in the backfield last week when Jeremiah Camara was eligible to play for the first time. The Reading transfer finished with 120 yards on a dozen carries in a 41-0 rout of Pequea Valley. “He’s a really good running back to add to our team,” emphasized Gerald. Aidan Curley, a 160-pound senior, has provided 270 yards and 2 TD on a team-high 38 carries. Sophomores Coy Koller and Wyatt Burkman give the (2-2, 1-0) Saints more options at running back. Koller, who also plays linebacker, has chipped in with 150 yards and three touchdowns. Owen Schalk can be utilized all over the field on both sides of the ball. He returned a punt 47 yards to the house and caught a 13-yard TD pass at Pequea Valley. Johnny Sauppee has taken over at quarterback after Cole Harter was injured in the third quarter versus Bethlehem Catholic. Harter might be able to return next week.

Berks Catholic hosts Lancaster Catholic on Friday night. The (2-2, 0-1) Crusaders were blown out by Columbia 43-0 a week ago. They lost quarterback J.J. Boas to an injury in that game. Villanova commit Brandon Way leads Lancaster Catholic with 384 rushing yards and four touchdowns. In addition, Way has a team-high eleven receptions. The Saints struggled early in their losses to Twin Valley and Bethlehem Catholic. Gerald, who also plays defensive back and outside linebacker, knows that needs to change. “We gotta come out and throw the first punch,” he noted. There’s a logjam in Section 5 with five teams sitting at (2-2) overall. Annville-Cleona is the only squad in the section with a winning record at (3-1). Schuylkill Valley is the defending champion in Section 5. The Panthers have split their first four contests. “It’s very competitive, but I feel we can compete with those teams,” said Gerald.