J.R. Strauss-Exeter

J.R. Strauss explained to me why he doesn’t like turkey on Thanksgiving. Don’t worry; we also talked plenty of football. For example, what do the (9-3) Eagles have to do to slow down Gov. Mifflin running back Nick Singleton? The (10-0) Mustangs host Exeter on Friday night in the District 3-5A championship. Singleton has scored a Berks County record 114 touchdowns. The PSU commit is over 2,000 rushing yards this season. Strauss said the Eagles must eliminate the mental mistakes that occurred in early October when they lost to Gov. Mifflin 54-21. The Mustangs have won 15 of the last 16 matchups with Exeter. Strauss explained why the Eagles’ offense is putting up big numbers. They piled up 639 yards at Cedar Cliff in the semifinals! Exeter is averaging 41 points in the District 3 playoffs. Strauss described what it would mean to win the first District title in program history. The 6’3, 210-pound senior was named a second-team All-County tight end and linebacker this year. He’s second on his team with 23 catches and third in tackles with 67 (5TFL). His 7TD receptions are tied for third most in Berks County. Strauss will play his college football at Villanova. The (9-2) Wildcats have a first round bye in the FCS playoffs. Strauss has been very impressed with the coaching staff and players.