“Roberts Rankings”-Football

There’s a new team at the top of my poll this week. Twin Valley moved up one spot after holding off Susquehanna Township 17-13 in Elverson. The Raiders travel to Bob Wolfrum Field on Saturday afternoon. Twin Valley beat Wyomissing 28-6 last year for its first victory over the Spartans since 2009. The Raiders are ranked #7 in the state in Class 5A by PA Football News and Wyomissing is #7 in Class 3A. The Spartans will be well rested. Frankford canceled its matchup with Wyomissing last Thursday.

Wilson looks to bounce back at Muhlenberg this Friday. The Bulldogs committed six turnovers in a 35-23 loss at Central Bucks West. As I first reported yesterday, Justice Hardy’s shoulder injury is not believed to be serious. If his rehab goes well this week, there’s a chance that Hardy could play against Muhlenberg. Keep in mind, however, that Wilson faces Manheim Township in Week 4. The Bulldogs will definitely want the two-time All-State pick ready for that key Section 1 battle.

Exeter heads south to York High this Friday. The Bearcats lost their opener to Harrisburg 40-19 before defeating Hempfield 32-21 a week ago. John Vellon is off to a great start for York. The speedy 5’8, 160-pound junior has 18 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown. Vellon also leads the team with 9 receptions for 94 yards and 2 TD.

Conrad Weiser is one position higher in my poll this week. The Scouts are preparing for another Thursday night contest. This time they’re on the road versus Eastern York. The (0-2) Golden Knights are relying heavily on sophomore quarterback Brady Cook. He’s 18-of-35 for 247 yards with 3 TD and 4 INT. Cook has a team-high 19 carries for another 176 yards and a score.

Muhlenberg got bumped up one spot after knocking off rival Reading 50-14 at Albright’s Shirk Stadium. The Muhls are taking on Wilson for the first time since 2008. The Bulldogs rolled to a 46-0 win in that District 3-4A quarterfinal.

Boyertown is back in my rankings following a 28-21 comeback victory at Gov. Mifflin. The Bears ended a 10-game losing streak to the Mustangs. Boyertown hosts Unionville this Thursday at 7pm. The Longhorns fell to Great Valley in overtime before beating Academy Park 17-8 in Week 2. Gov. Mifflin visits Hempfield this Friday. The Black Knights split their first two games.

Berks Catholic dropped out of my poll after allowing 88 points in two weeks. The (0-2) Saints have another difficult test on Friday when they host Bethlehem Catholic. Senior quarterback Axel Burkart (6’4, 210) recently committed to New Hampshire. He played quarterback, tight end, and defensive end for the Golden Hawks a season ago. As a junior, Burkart passed for 1,475 yards and 12 TD while only starting four games at quarterback. He added eight touchdowns on the ground. Bethlehem Catholic is (2-0) with wins over Delaware Valley and Allentown Central Catholic.

Without further ado, here are my new Berks County high school football rankings. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow!

“The Great 8”

1.Twin Valley (2-0)

2.Wilson (1-1)

3.Exeter (1-1)

4.Wyomissing (0-1)

5.Conrad Weiser (2-0)

6.Muhlenberg (1-1)

7.Boyertown (1-1)

8.Gov. Mifflin (0-2)