“Roberts Rankings”-Football

The wait is finally over! The high school football season kicks off this week. We’re fortunate to have several quality programs in Berks County. James Franklin has certainly noticed the talent in our area. The Penn State roster has some local flavor and Caleb Brewer of Wyomissing will add to that next year.

Without further ado, here is my preseason Berks County high school football poll. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow! It’s also important to keep in mind that the margin between some of these teams is very thin. The records listed below are from last year.

If you believe that most football games are won in the trenches, then you should be optimistic about the Bulldogs this fall. The folks in West Lawn haven’t seen a losing season since 1963. Wilson’s OL is an experienced group that plays with an edge. They’ll be opening holes for sophomore Correll Akings. Wilson will need to overcome some early injuries. Wyomissing lost 17 seniors and three All-State performers, but the cupboard is far from bare. Bob Wolfrum, who enters the year with 350 victories, can utilize a-half dozen reliable running backs. The Spartans are an eye-popping (49-4) over the past four seasons. They’re searching for a fifth consecutive District 3 championship. Exeter will miss the physical presence of Anthony Caccese, Kyle Lash, and Lucas Palange. All three of them made the Class 5A All-State squad along with Penn State tight end Joey Schlaffer. Riley Martinez is a promising sophomore QB who can rely on Coastal Carolina commit Zach Zandier (6’6, 235) at TE. Don’t be surprised if the fans in Reiffton have a lot to cheer about again this fall. Twin Valley hopes to build off the momentum of winning its first District 3 playoff game. Evan Myers returns for his third year at QB. The Raiders have size up front and a speedster in Evan Johnson. Look out for Twin Valley in the Section 3 race.

Gov. Mifflin is looking to bounce back after a rare disappointing campaign. The Mustangs’ streak of 18 straight winning seasons was snapped. The chemistry seems to be improved with this team. They’ll be tested by a very challenging schedule. Berks Catholic is in a similar situation as Gov. Mifflin. The Saints suffered their first losing season since the school was formed. They also face a daunting slate of opponents in 2023. Life in Section 4 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League is no walk in the park, just ask the fans in Robesonia. Troy Godinet has brought energy to Reading’s program. The former standout LB for the Red Knights has some veteran assistant coaches on his staff. While playmakers Amier Burdine and Ruben Rodriguez have moved on, there’s still plenty of beef at the line of scrimmage. Reading had 21 sophomores on its roster a season ago and seven started. Coach Harbach is excited about his skill position players in Leesport including All-State RB Dom Giuffre. The Panthers shouldn’t be overlooked in a very balanced Section 5. Hamburg won nine games last year and reached the District 3-3A semifinals. Replacing some of the best players in school history won’t be easy. Keep an eye out for Mason Semmel, Cohen Correll, Daniel Brady, and a healthy Aiden Readinger on “Hawk Hill.”

“The Great 8”

1.Wilson (8-3)

2.Wyomissing (13-1)

3.Exeter (12-1)

4.Twin Valley (7-5)

5.Gov. Mifflin (3-7)

6.Berks Catholic (5-6)

7.Reading (3-7)

8.Schuylkill Valley (6-5)

H.M. Hamburg (9-3)