Dave Stahler-Berks Catholic

We’ve all heard that defense wins championships. Berks Catholic proved it last Friday against Annville-Cleona. The Saints allowed just 118 total yards in a 14-7 overtime victory. “It was a really good football game and those are exciting to win. The kids were thrilled,” said head coach Dave Stahler. In his second year at the helm, Stahler guided Berks Catholic to the Section 5 title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The (8-2) Saints won all seven of their league games. They earned the #1 seed in the District 3-3A playoffs and are ranked ninth in the state by PennLive.

Holy Name graduate Eric Hancock joined Stahler’s coaching staff this season as the defensive coordinator. The former Twin Valley head coach was an assistant at Schuylkill Valley last fall. “Eric is very knowledgeable. He coaches with passion. He’s great at breaking down opponents,” noted Stahler. Berks Catholic only allowed 6.6 points per game in league play. Faith Zudie leads the Saints with 78 tackles including 18 tackles for loss. Annville-Cleona had no answer for the 6’, 180-pound junior defensive end. Zudie racked up 14 tackles and 5 TFL. If that wasn’t enough, he also blocked a field goal. “The best thing about Faith is that he has a positive attitude about everything he attacks. In class, in the weight room, on the football field, he’s an awesome kid. He plays with great effort all the time. He practices hard all the time. That’s what makes him a great football player,” emphasized Stahler. Eric Bennethum and Damoni Daglis, both juniors, have also played well on the defensive line. Sophomore safety Mason Mace is second on the team in tackles with 63. Junior linebacker Ryan Spatz isn’t far behind with 59 stops.

The Saints’ offense has done most of its work on the ground. They’re averaging 35.6 points and 338 rushing yards per contest. Four players have between 60-80 carries in the Wing-T attack. Xavier Gerald has a team-high 738 yards and seven touchdowns. Reading transfer Jeremiah Camara has provided 701 yards and 7 TD in seven games. “It’s been a great addition. It’s been nice to have Jeremiah and what he brings to the table,” replied Stahler. Aidan Curley and sophomore Coy Koller have combined for 1,021 yards and a dozen touchdowns. Owen Schalk put Berks Catholic on top in overtime last Friday with a 10-yard touchdown run. He missed the season opener after having his wisdom teeth removed and then was out three more games due to a shoulder injury. “Owen is a dynamic athlete. He’s physical, he’s fast, and he runs through tackles. He’s awesome as a ball carrier so it’s nice to have him back,” said Stahler. Schalk is averaging a staggering 13.2 yards per carry on 38 touches.

The Saints have a bye this week which will allow Stahler to spend Halloween with his three young children. Bermudian Springs hosts Big Spring on Friday. Berks Catholic will meet the winner of that District 3-3A quarterfinal. Bermudian Springs knocked out the Saints 42-25 in the semifinals a season ago. “We’d like to play them again. I don’t think we played our best game that night, but both programs are good. They’re both physical teams,” stated Stahler.