Josh Jackson-Exeter

Josh Jackson and Donovyn Alvarez have become a strong one-two punch for Exeter. They’ve combined for 1,729 rushing yards and 18 TD this season. The senior running backs and linebackers have a great relationship on and off the field. “We’re in the same friend group so we’re really close. We’ve known each other really long,” said Jackson. They helped the (9-2) Eagles rack up 489 total yards in a 40-19 win over #12 seed Hershey in the first round of the District 3-5A playoffs. Jackson finished with a season-high 161 yards on eleven carries and Alvarez added 115 yards on 17 rushing attempts. “Getting 100 yards each, that’s a goal we both want to do each game. It’s great to see that,” replied Jackson. They each ran for a pair of touchdowns last Friday at Don Thomas Stadium.

Jackson surpassed 1,000 rushing yards last week. He’s averaging 6.3 yards per carry this year. That number got a boost after touchdown runs of 56 and 64 yards against Hershey. Jackson gave credit to the offensive line which includes Jaxson Waltman, Eddie Farrar, Nate Delp, Wyatt Richard, and Matt Lis from left to right. “They’re playing at the best level they’ve played all season. In November, that’s what you want. I have all my trust in them,” emphasized Jackson. The offensive line averages 253 pounds. Right guard Wyatt Richard (6’4, 250) is committed to Towson. Right tackle Matt Lis, one of Exeter’s captains, is 6’5 and 250 pounds. The Eagles are grinding out 188 rushing yards per game.

Aidan Gerhart gave Exeter balance on offense last Friday. The 5’10, 155-pound junior threw for 205 yards and 2 TD. Gerhart, a first-year starter at quarterback, was an efficient 13-of-15 through the air. Jackson understands the value of a solid passing attack. “It lightens the box for us. It makes it easier to have lanes to cut through,” he explained. Brady Adams has a team-high 24 catches this season. The 6’, 160-pound WR/CB is also responsible for six of the Eagles’ thirteen interceptions. Alvarez is first on the team with 80 tackles. Braylon Reinert, a 230-pound linebacker, is second with 71 stops. His younger brother, Cayden, has provided 54 tackles and 9 TFL. Cayden Reinert is a 6’4, 210-pound sophomore defensive end.

Fifth-seeded Exeter travels to fourth-seeded Spring Grove this Friday. The winner will advance to the District 3-5A semifinals. The (8-2) Rockets do their best work on the ground. They’re averaging 262 rushing yards per contest. Brody Redding leads Spring Grove with 1,025 yards. Kade Gibbs has chipped in with 726 yards. Quarterback Davon Melbourne is a threat to run as well with 724 yards. Redding, Gibbs, and Melbourne are all sophomores. “I think our defensive line gotta change the line of scrimmage. They do that really well. The linebackers gotta be able to fill the gaps quick which we will. If we do that and force them to pass the ball, I think we can win the game,” said Jackson.