Are You Experienced?

In May of 1967, Jimi Hendrix released his debut studio album called Are You Experienced? It’s widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time. For the kids who aren’t familiar with Hendrix, put down the video games and give him a listen. His work on the electric guitar was mesmerizing. However, we’re here to talk football. There are certain things that you can’t teach, and experience is one of them. You either have it or you don’t. Has your team experienced what it’s like to be in the fourth quarter of a close game where one drive can determine the outcome? This is a very important factor, especially when you’re dealing with young athletes.

Here is a look at the number of returning starters for all of the high school football teams in Berks County. You will see how many players are back on each side of the ball. Experience could be the difference during the games in August and early September, before everyone settles into their role. I also included some of the top contenders in the Lancaster-Lebanon League from outside of Berks County.

Section 1:

Wilson-5 on offense, 6 on defense

Reading-3 on offense, 3 on defense

Manheim Township-6 on offense, 6 on defense

Section 2:

Exeter-7 on offense, 7 on defense

Gov. Mifflin-3 on offense, 5 on defense

Muhlenberg-8 on offense, 7 on defense

Conestoga Valley-7 on offense, 6 on defense

Section 3:

Conrad Weiser-2 on offense, 4 on defense

Fleetwood-6 on offense, 6 on defense

Cocalico-5 on offense, 5 on defense

Solanco-10 on offense, 9 on defense

Manheim Central-6 on offense, 5 on defense

Section 4:

Wyomissing-6 on offense, 7 on defense

Twin Valley-7 on offense, 7 on defense

Daniel Boone-7 on offense, 6 on defense

Lampeter-Strasburg-5 on offense, 3 on defense

ELCO-4 on offense, 3 on defense

Section 5:

Schuylkill Valley-6 on offense, 6 on defense

Berks Catholic-6 on offense, 8 on defense

Hamburg-6 on offense, 7 on defense

Kutztown-7 on offense, 7 on defense

Lancaster Catholic-5 on offense, 5 on defense