Nate Casiano-Conrad Weiser

He’s called “Big Nate” for a reason. Natkeis Casiano is 6’5 and 310 pounds. The defensive tackle only played in six games last season. He made a dozen tackles. The Conrad Weiser coaches say he’s much more focused this year which is bad news for the Scouts’ opponents. “I’ve improved drastically in my speed, my strength, my use of hands. I feel like I’m a lot better of a player than I was last year,” Casiano said. The Scouts are looking for a big improvement on the defensive side after allowing 32 points per game in 2021. They still finished (7-4) and qualified for the District 3-4A playoffs as the #7 seed. Conrad Weiser fell to Big Spring 49-35 in the first round. It was the Scouts’ 17th appearance in the District 3 tournament. They were the Class 2A runner-up in 1996. Casiano and company are hoping to get back to the postseason, but they’ll be relying on a lot of inexperienced players. Conrad Weiser returns just three starters on offense and three on defense. All-state selections Logan Klitsch (Dartmouth) and Aanjay Feliciano (Stetson) have moved on. Klitsch established school records with 5,110 career passing yards and 51 touchdown passes. He also ran for a team-high 680 yards and 19 scores a season ago. The 6’3, 195-pound Feliciano piled up 2,008 career receiving yards and 23 touchdown receptions. Those are both school records. He reeled in 71 catches for 1,248 yards and 15TD last year. Donovan Gingrich will take over at quarterback. The word around Robesonia is that the sophomore has a lot of potential. “It’s the way he can see the field when he has the ball in his hands. I feel like that’s something that our team should look out for. I believe in him all the way,” said Casiano. Gingrich averaged eight points as a freshman for the Scouts’ basketball team. He sank 43 three-pointers. Trey Dianna, another multi-sport athlete, is back at wide receiver. He ended up with 40 receptions and 5TD last year. Casiano mentioned that Sevon Parham could have a breakout season at running back. He rumbled for 222 yards on just 18 carries as a sophomore. Sophomore Kaleb Britting is making the transition to right tackle after starting at center last year. Ethan Rex is a 3-year starter on the offensive line. Casiano admitted that Rex is the toughest guy that he has to face in practice. Casiano called Jake Fox the smartest player on the team. Fox is a 6’4, 320-pound defensive tackle. Conrad Weiser also has a weapon in the kicking game. Senior Adam Noll told me that he’s made a 58-yard field goal during practice. Noll is an outstanding punter as well. Alan Moyer is about to enter his 20th season as the Scouts’ head coach. “He’s the perfect coach. I love him. He treats us well. He keeps energy up at practice,” emphasized Casiano. Moyer is a Conrad Weiser graduate who spent 15 years there as an assistant coach. The Scouts have a tough road ahead as part of Section 4 in the new Lancaster-Lebanon League. They’ll be competing against Wyomissing, Berks Catholic, Lampeter-Strasburg, Cocalico, ELCO, Donegal, and Octorara. When he’s not on the football field, Casiano likes to swim and play hoops. The Giants are his favorite NFL team. However, Casiano predicted that the Eagles will win the division. We also discussed his favorite teachers and video games. “Big Nate” will be easy to find on Friday nights this fall.