Ethan Brower-Wyomissing

In its first six games, Wyomissing averaged less than six pass attempts. When you run the rock as well as the Spartans, you don’t need to put the ball in the air. On Saturday afternoon, however, the Spartans were struggling to get the rushing attack going so Bob Wolfrum decided to open things up. Ben Zechman took advantage of the opportunity. The 6’2 senior quarterback threw for a career-high 137 yards in a 38-7 rout of Cocalico. Zechman was 8-of-10 with two touchdown tosses. He found Ethan Brower on a post for a 29-yard score on the first play of the second quarter. That put the (7-0, 4-0) Spartans on top 28-0. Brower has just four catches this season. I asked the 6’, 180-pound junior about life as a receiver in the Wing-T offense. He replied, “It’s fun. You have a lot of responsibility because you gotta be able to block just as much as the linemen do.” Zechman found halfback William Delp on a throwback screen to the left that went for an 11-yard touchdown with 3:46 remaining in the first half. Seven different Spartans caught passes including tight end Caleb Brewer. The 6’5, 285-pound junior rumbled 26 yards. Brewer recently received offers from Pittsburgh, Maryland, Boston College, Duke and other DI programs. James Franklin was in attendance to see PSU commit Jven Williams who’s the top-rated player in Pennsylvania. “It’s kind of nerve-racking, but we just go out like it’s any other game,” said Brower. He gives a lot of credit to the big guys up front like Williams, Brewer, and Pacen Ziegler. That trio averages 285 pounds. “They’re huge. They work insanely hard in the offseason and during the season. They’re big supporters of all of the guys. It brings this team together,” stated Brower. The offensive line paved the way for Matthew Kramer to score three times in the opening nine minutes. All three touchdown runs came after fumbles by Cocalico. Kramer ended up with a team-high 76 yards on 11 carries. The 215-pound senior fullback scored from 1, 13, and 14 yards away. The (3-4, 2-2) Eagles got on the scoreboard on the first play of the fourth quarter. Sam Steffey’s 3-yard touchdown came with Wyomissing’s starters on the sideline. The 185-pound junior had 60 yards on a dozen touches. Cocalico entered the game averaging 307 rushing yards in their Flexbone offense. The stingy Spartans allowed just 121 yards on the ground and 41 of that came on the final possession. Wyomissing outgained Cocalico 291-to-124. Brower stressed how much Zechman has improved from a season ago. “The chemistry that he has with a lot of guys on the team is great. He’s got so much stronger. He’s playing really, really well,” noted Brower. He added, “This year our passing game has been very successful and it’s always something that we can learn back on if we ever need it. [Running] is mainly our offense, but the passing is just as good.” Zechman has completed 73% of his passes for 570 yards with 8TD and only one interception. Wyomissing hasn’t lost a regular season contest since October 27, 2018 against Berks Catholic. Brower talked about playing for Coach Wolfrum. “It’s a privilege. He’s the best to ever do it in Pennsylvania football. He’s such a good mentor. He’s a phenomenal coach,” emphasized Brower. Wolfrum has guided the Spartans to 344 victories, ten District 3 championships, and a state title over 36 seasons. Brower and I also discussed his favorite teachers and musical artists, as well as what he likes to do for fun. Wyomissing fans are having plenty of fun watching this team try to get back to the Class 3A state final.