Zavier Otero-Muhlenberg

Zavier Otero could tell back in the summer that is was going to be an exciting football season in Laureldale. Muhlenberg doubled its win total from 2024 and qualified for the District 3 playoffs for the first time since 2013. “I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew this team was something special,” said Otero. The 6’, 290-pound senior started at guard and defensive tackle. The Muhls opened the year with six straight wins. They ended a 21-game losing streak to Gov. Mifflin with a 35-17 victory. Muhlenberg went (8-2, 4-2) during the regular season. The Muhls finished in third place in Section 2 behind Conestoga Valley and Exeter. They made their 12th appearance in the District 3 tournament. A 35-0 loss at #8 seed Spring Grove last Friday doesn’t overshadow the progress that was made this fall.

Otero paved the way for an offense that averaged 215 yards per game on the ground and 343 total yards. Cam Small set the school’s career rushing record with 3,817 yards. The All-State selection averaged 7.4 yards per carry this year with 25 touchdowns. “He’s a great football player. He’s an even better leader. He’s a silent captain. He isn’t very vocal, but he does it with his play,” emphasized Otero. Small set Muhlenberg’s single-season rushing record as a junior when he piled up 2,051 yards. He wasn’t the only one to reach a milestone. Mike Miller, a four-year starter, wrapped up his career with a school record 112 receptions. “He was very valuable. We could use him everywhere; quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He was very versatile,” noted Otero. Miller provided 969 combined rushing and receiving yards this season with a dozen touchdowns. He was also a force on defense at safety. Miller was one of 19 seniors on the Muhls’ roster. Their quarterback, however, will be returning. Adriel Baez completed 61% of his passes during his sophomore campaign. He threw for 1,407 yards with 14 TD and 6 INT. “He’s gonna be really great…I think he’s definitely gonna be a player that will go down as one of the best in Muhlenberg,” stated Otero.

Rob Flowers, a former star quarterback for the Muhls, took over as head coach last year. They went (4-7, 1-5) including a 24-0 win over William Allen in the Eastern Conference 5A/6A Championship. Otero, who carried a lofty 4.5 GPA as a junior, said it was a great pleasure to play for Coach Flowers. “He always pushed us every day and I knew that he was gonna create a different style of program for this community. He really did some special things with us,” remarked Otero.