Leo Brown-Exeter

About a-half dozen media members were waiting to speak with Leo Brown after Friday’s game at Don Thomas Stadium. Exeter’s senior running back doesn’t like talking about himself. “He’s very unselfish. He puts all the praise on his linemen, and they’ll do anything for him. He’s one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever seen,” said Eagles’ head coach Matt Bauer. Brown ran for 274 yards and 2 TD on 23 carries in a 35-0 victory over Lower Dauphin in the first round of the District 3-5A playoffs. The 6’, 176-pound speedster broke the single-season school record with 2,180 rushing yards. “It’s amazing. I feel great, but I know that without those five guys in front of me, I don’t think it would be possible,” replied Brown. The humble star is averaging 9.2 yards per carry this year with 25 touchdowns. Jayden Zandier, a two-time All-State selection, established the previous record last fall with 2,086 rushing yards. Brown surpassed that mark in the first half against the tenth-seeded Falcons.

Brown’s performance wasn’t the only positive news for #7 seed Exeter. Riley Martinez, a three-year starter, was back at quarterback. The 6’4, 205-pound senior returned faster than expected from a shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 2 at Boyertown. Martinez was 8-of-13 for 73 yards and a touchdown on a windy night in Reiffton. He was picked off by junior Tyler Newman on the opening drive. However, that didn’t slow down the (9-2) Eagles. Brown raced down the right sideline for a 44-yard score with 5:33 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Elan Goeke fumbled without being hit. Braylon Reinert scooped up the loose ball and rumbled 27 yards for a touchdown. On third-and-14 late in the second quarter, Martinez found tight end Aidan Dauble for a first down at the 20-yard line. Martinez then hit Jayden Ware over the middle. The 6’2, 160-pound senior receiver broke a tackle and scooted down the left sideline for a 19-yard touchdown. Exeter was on top 21-0 at halftime.

Brown broke free up the middle for a 52-yard score with 8:37 left. Lower Dauphin trailed 28-0 and was in the uncomfortable position of having to throw the ball. During the regular season, the Falcons had just two touchdown passes and six interceptions. They were only averaging 69.2 passing yards per game. Lower Dauphin prefers to rely on Hunter Strohm between the tackles. The 6’2, 215-pound senior entered the night with 1,308 rushing yards and 23 TD on 200 carries. Strohm is a standout catcher who’s committed to Mississippi State for baseball. The Falcons’ offense was limited to 155 total yards by the Eagles. Lower Dauphin committed four turnovers including a 38-yard pick-6 by Reinert with 6:35 remaining. Defensive end Jackson Kozik, a transfer from Berks Catholic, hit Newman as he was attempting to throw. The pass went into Reinert’s chest and the 6’4, 225-pound junior linebacker ended up with his second touchdown of the evening. Donovyn Alvarez, a junior linebacker, came up with another interception on the next possession. Ware also had a pick for an Exeter defense that’s only allowing 9.8 points per game. Ware chipped in on offense with five receptions for 48 yards.

The Eagles finished with 344 total yards. As usual, Brown gave credit to the offensive line which consists of Kevin Oswalt, Matt Lis, Joel Ummarino, Andre Osborne, and Wyatt Richard from left to right. “Their size, their focus, their concentration, and the little details at practice really makes them who they are. They work so well together,” explained Brown. Oswalt, Richard, and Lis will return next season. Ummarino, the 273-pound center, and Osborne are seniors. Dauble is also a key blocker in the rushing attack at 6’4 and 215 pounds.

Exeter heads back to Conestoga Valley next Friday in the District 3-5A quarterfinals. The (10-0) Buckskins beat the Eagles 21-17 in Week 9. Conestoga Valley rallied from a 17-7 deficit with three minutes to go. “It was a real heartbreaker. We’re so determined to make that right,” stated Brown.