Ean Winchester-Twin Valley

When it’s cold and windy, there’s nothing like having a big offensive line along with a 260-pound fullback. Second-seeded Twin Valley has both. The Raiders ran for 352 yards in a 35-7 victory over seventh-seeded ELCO. The (10-1) Raiders averaged 8.2 yards per carry while advancing to the District 3-4A semifinals for the second year in a row. “The O-line is doing a great job blocking up front. Without them we can’t do anything,” emphasized Ean Winchester. The senior FB/DT is a force on both sides of the ball. Winchester is joined on the defensive line by Markell Norris, Ben Savidge, and Kyle Kline. All four of them are seniors. Sophomores Greyson Miller and Mark Minardi are also part of the rotation. Linebackers Lucas Myers and Danny Murphy helped to hold ELCO scoreless until the first play of the fourth quarter when Jake Williams ripped off a 47-yard touchdown run. Williams entered the night with 2,233 rushing yards and 29 TD this year. He ends his career with more than 4,900 yards after going for 168 on 22 carries in Elverson. Twin Valley put together two long drives in the first quarter. Speedy sophomore Drew Engle polished off an 80-yard march with a 7-yard touchdown. That was followed by a 79-yard possession which included Evan Myers’ 57-yard pass down the right sideline to sophomore Ben Grundy. Winchester plowed into the end zone from two yards away for a 14-0 advantage. ELCO punted the first five times it had the football. Twin Valley went just 48 yards for its third score. Engle’s 2-yard run made it 21-0 with 8:10 remaining before halftime. Myers used his legs on a 52-yard score with 1:44 left in the second quarter. “He made a great fake and tricked the whole defense,” said Winchester. Twin Valley went on a 92-yard drive in the third quarter which invoked the mercy rule. A 5-yard run by Evan Johnson put the Raiders in front 35-0 with three minutes to go in the third period. ELCO, which was making its eighth appearance in the District 3 playoffs, finishes (8-4). They were outgained 447-to-229. Engle had 196 yards on 22 carries. He has surpassed 1,400 yards this season. Myers added 92 yards on six touches. The 5’10, 180-pound junior was 6-of-11 through the air for 95 yards and an interception. Johnson provided 46 yards on a dozen carries. He’s just shy of 1,100 yards this year. They run behind an offensive line that averages 269 pounds. Winchester is a battering ram at fullback. He’s committed to George Mason for wrestling. “I loved the campus. I love the vibe down there. The coaches were amazing, the team was amazing,” he replied. Winchester won the BCIAA heavyweight championship last season. He has a career record of (94-18). On top of that, he’s also an All-County lacrosse player. Winchester noted that being a multi-sport athlete is beneficial. “It helps so much. The body control that comes with each sport all relates together,” he explained. Twin Valley will host third-seeded Manheim Central next Friday in the semifinals.