Donovan Gingrich-Conrad Weiser

The final score said it all. 38-3. Conrad Weiser dominated perennial powerhouse Manheim Central on Friday night in Robesonia. “We’re trying to make a statement and be respected,” stated Donovan Gingrich. The (5-0) Scouts opened more eyes by hammering the 18-time District 3 champions. The (2-3) Barons were held to 85 total yards. Gingrich was 12-of-16 for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The three-year starter also ran for 119 yards on 13 carries. Alex Malone’s 25-yard field goal provided the only scoring in the first quarter. On fourth-and-9 on Conrad Weiser’s second possession, longtime head coach Alan Moyer called for a fake punt. The direct snap to Javien Rivera resulted in a 26-yard gain to the 16-yard line. Gingrich then hit 6’2 junior Dylan Parr for a 15-yard score and a 10-0 advantage with 6:37 remaining in the second quarter. Manheim Central muffed the ensuing kickoff which was recovered by Davis Keppley at the 14-yard line. A 4-yard run off the right side by Rivera put the Scouts on top 17-0. The 5’8, 150-pound junior finished with 71 yards on 16 carries. “He took a big leap from last year,” replied Gingrich. The Barons have struggled with turnovers all season. They committed another one with just over a minute to go in the first half. Junior wide receiver Cody Hess fumbled after making a catch near midfield. Ashton Kiebach recovered and set up Conrad Weiser at the 37-yard line. Rivera’s 2-yard touchdown run made it 24-0 with 15 seconds to play before halftime. The Scouts were pinned down at their 1-yard line early in the third quarter when Gingrich broke free for a 84-yard run, the longest of his career. Senior running back Jonathon McQuillen, who attends Tulpehocken, capped the 99-yard drive with a 15-yard run. Conrad Weiser was in front 31-0 with 7:17 left in the third period. After a 28-yard field goal by Katie White, the Scouts responded with a 70-yard drive. Evan Rittle made a diving catch down the right sideline for a 18-yard score with ten minutes remaining. The 5’10, 165-pound senior was named the Wide Receiver of the Year in Section 4 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League in 2023. He had seven receptions for 68 yards in Friday’s Section 3 matchup with Manheim Central. “We live a minute away from each other so we’re seeing each other all the time off the field,” noted Gingrich. Their connection translates onto the field as well. Conrad Weiser piled up 218 rushing yards. The Scouts’ defense has allowed just 24 points all season. They have put last year’s (2-8) record in the rear view mirror. “We got 19 seniors. This is our last ride. We’re going out and giving everything we got. We take every week as a championship game,” emphasized Gingrich.