Matt Bauer-Exeter

Cocalico left Wyomissing on October 8th with a (3-4) record. The Eagles committed four turnovers and were dominated by the Spartans 38-7. My how things have changed for this scrappy group from Denver, Pennsylvania. The Eagles were the last team to qualify for the District 3-5A playoffs as the #12 seed. They made history on Friday at Don Thomas Stadium by beating second-seeded Exeter 34-14 in the District 3 Final. Cocalico extended its winning streak to seven games and claimed the program’s fourth District 3 title. Exeter suffered its first loss after rattling off twelve consecutive victories. “It’s heartbreaking. There’s no question about it. For this senior class, what they’ve given us, the dedication and the leadership they provided; it just doesn’t seem fair. But nobody said life had to be fair,” said head coach Matt Bauer. The Eagles turned the ball over three times and were held to 96 rushing yards. “If you don’t show up and play your best on any night, your season can go down the drain,” noted Bauer. Cocalico started the night with a 16-play, 65-yard drive that lasted eight and a-half minutes. Sam Steffey ended the possession with a 2-yard score. The 5’9, 185-pound junior fullback entered the contest with 1,728 yards and 22 TD. After Exeter went three-and-out, Brayden Eppinette took a toss 46 yards down the right sideline for a 13-0 advantage with one minute remaining in the opening quarter. The speedy 155-pound sophomore only got 19 carries in Cocalico’s first 13 games. Exeter took advantage of great field position to get on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter. After a 13-yard punt, the Eagles drove 36 yards and converted on 4th down from the 1-yard line. Richie Karstien crashed into the end zone for his 20th rushing touchdown. Exeter took over at its 47-yard line with 39 seconds to go before halftime. Mason Rotelli was picked off by senior linebacker Carter Getz. On the next play, Josh Myer hit an uncovered Aaryn Longenecker for a 42-yard TD with 22 seconds on the clock. Cocalico was up 20-7 at the break. It was just the third touchdown pass for Myer this year. “That was definitely a huge momentum swing. I should’ve been satisfied going in 13-7 at half. I’m sure I’ll be second-guessing it for a long time to come, but at the time I thought it was the right call,” admitted Bauer. Exeter turned to Joey Schlaffer at quarterback in the third quarter. “We needed a spark and he provided us a spark all year. I wanted to give him every opportunity to turn the tide,” explained Bauer. His second pass attempt was intercepted by Longenecker. Schlaffer, a 6’6 senior who’s headed to Penn State to play tight end, connected with Zach Zandier on a 37-yard strike over the middle on Exeter’s next series. Karstien capped that possession with another 1-yard score and Exeter was within 20-14 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Cocalico responded with a clutch 75-yard drive. Myer went up top to Longenecker for 45 yards. The 170-pound sophomore quarterback hit pay dirt on a 14-yard run with eleven minutes to play. Longenecker ran in the 2-point conversion for a 28-14 edge. Exeter turned the ball over on downs on its next two possessions. Myer sealed it with a 5-yard run that put Cocalico on top 34-14 with 3:47 to go. The (10-4) Eagles are the first #12 seed to earn a District 3 football championship. They outgained Exeter 274-188. Myer ran for a team-high 71 yards and 2 TD on 16 touches. He was 2-of-2 for 87 yards through the air. Both of his completions were to Longenecker. Steffey was limited to 45 yards on 17 carries. He piled up 251 yards and 3 TD last week in the semifinals when Cocalico stunned top-seeded Solanco 32-8. Karstien led Exeter with 83 yards on 21 touches. Rotelli wound up 5-of-16 for just 32 yards and 2 INT. The 6’1, 170-pound senior had only thrown six picks all season. Zandier, a 6’5 junior tight end, had three grabs for 73 yards. Schlaffer was held without a catch. He had 11 TD receptions this season. Exeter came in averaging 39 points per game. They were trying to repeat as District 3 champs. The Eagles are (10-12) all-time in the District 3 playoffs. There are 17 seniors on this year’s roster. “It was the most physical senior class we’ve had so far. Last year was definitely special and this year is just as special. These kids work so hard. Winning twelve games is definitely something to be proud of,” emphasized Bauer.