Big School-Offense

QB-Donovan Gingrich (CW)

RB-Jayden Zandier (Ex), Cam Small (Muhl), Grady Garner (GM)

All-Purpose Back-Gabriel Laws (RHS)

WR-Carter Redding (Ex), Evan Rittle (CW)

TE-Michael Glover (Wil)

C-Gavin Kelly (GM)

G-Dylan Worley (GM), Zavier Otero (Muhl)

T-Logan Wegman (Ex), Keyshawn Efese (RHS)

K-Robbie Gaston (Ex)

KR-Jayden Zandier (Ex)

Big School-Defense

DE-Ashton Kiebach (CW), Dequan Small (Muhl)

DT-Logan Wegman (Ex), Eugene Booth (CW)

ILB-Casey Gerhart (Ex), Gabriel Laws (RHS)

OLB-Christo Hunsicker (Wil), Aidan Dauble (Ex)

DB-Reese Hohl (GM), Xavier Beatty (RHS), Madyx Gruber (Wil), Cam Small (Muhl)

LS-Evan Rittle (CW)

P-Donovan Gingrich (CW)

Small School-Offense

QB-Evan Myers (TV)

RB-Chase Eisenhower (Wyo), Evan Johnson (TV), Bryce Gumby (BC)

All-Purpose Back-Justice Hardy (Wyo)

WR-Kowen Gerner (SV), Ben Grundy (TV)

TE-Luke Spotts (SV)

C-Noah DiGiacomo (TV), Francisco Fabian (Wyo)

G-Carter Faubel (TV), Max Tipton (Wyo)

T-Palmer Reber (BC), Aris Drake (TV), Keaton Piacine (Wyo)

K-Keegan Maher (Wyo)

KR-Justice Hardy (Wyo)

Small School-Defense

DE-Eric Bennethum (BC), Greyson Miller (TV)

DT-Max Tipton (Wyo), Carter Faubel (TV)

ILB-Lucas Myers (TV), Chase Eisenhower (Wyo)

OLB-Tyler Niedrowski (Wyo), Luke Spotts (SV)

DB-Justice Hardy (Wyo), Evan Johnson (TV), Daniel Brady (Hamb), Bryce Gumby (BC)

LS-Tyler Niedrowski (Wyo)

P-Keegan Maher (Wyo)

Exeter’s Jayden Zandier was named the BCIAA Player of the Year and Offensive Back of the Year. Zandier set a school record with 2,086 rushing yards this season. He averaged an astonishing 11.5 yards per carry with 30 touchdowns.

Here are the major award winners and first team selections. Congratulations to all of these outstanding players!

Coach of the Year-Alan Moyer (CW)

Player of the Year-Jayden Zandier (Ex)

Offensive Back of the Year-Jayden Zandier (Ex)

Receiver of the Year-Evan Rittle (CW)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Logan Wegman (Ex)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Carter Faubel (TV)

Linebacker of the Year-Christo Hunsicker (Wil)

Defensive Back of the Year-Justice Hardy (Wyo)

First Team Offense

QB-Donovan Gingrich (CW)

RB-Jayden Zandier (Ex), Grady Garner (GM), Cam Small (Muhl)

All-Purpose Back-Justice Hardy (Wyo)

WR-Evan Rittle (CW), Carter Redding (Ex)

TE-Luke Spotts (SV)

C-Gavin Kelly (GM)

G-Dylan Worley (GM), Carter Faubel (TV)

OT-Logan Wegman (Ex), Keyshawn Efese (RHS)

KR-Jayden Zandier (Ex)

K-Keegan Maher (Wyo)

First Team Defense

DE-Ashton Kiebach (CW), Gavin Kelly (GM)

DT-Carter Faubel (TV), Max Tipton (Wyo)

ILB-Casey Gerhart (Ex), Gabe Laws (RHS)

OLB-Christo Hunsicker (Wil), Tyler Niedrowski (Wyo)

DB-Reese Hohl (GM), Xavier Beatty (RHS), Madyx Gruber (Wil), Justice Hardy (Wyo)

P-Donovan Gingrich (CW)

LS-Joel Ummarino (Ex)

The Spartans sit atop my poll which shouldn’t come as a surprise. They’re coming off a (31-1) campaign and have claimed back-to-back Berks County and District 3 crowns. Yes, their loss at Hazleton over the weekend was ugly. Keep in mind, however, that seniors Alexis Hardy and Audrey Hurleman didn’t play against the defending District 2-6A champs. Hurleman, a North Carolina lacrosse commit, is expected back in January after recovering from a knee injury. Wyomissing still has the top player in the county in Amaya Stewart. The 6’1 Albany commit is a two-time All-State selection who averaged 19.5 points per game as a junior.

Laila Jones will be sorely missed in West Lawn. The two-time All-County pick is out with a torn ACL. The flashy point guard led the Bulldogs to a (24-5) mark last season. New head coach Matt Raquet still has some tremendous all-around athletes to work with in juniors Laura Crocona and 5’11 Violet Houck. You will be hearing a lot about 5’9 sophomore Kailani Hardy. She dropped 25 points in Wilson’s season opening loss to Emmaus. Hardy can score at all three levels.

Berks Catholic returns four starters who should be motivated after finishing with a (12-13) record. Congratulations to Bob Birmingham who picked up career victory #650 on Saturday. This is his 36th year as a head coach. Madison Langdon, Sydney Corado, and Molly McFadden have been household names at Lloyd Wolf Gymnasium for the past three seasons. Langdon earned All-County status as a junior when she averaged 16.5 ppg. The 5’4 point guard knocked down 49 treys and is closing in on 1,000 points. Daniel Boone transfer Liv Welker will provide a boost for the Saints. The 5’10 junior scored 10 ppg. for the Blazers.

Reading and Gov. Mifflin are two dangerous teams that shouldn’t be overlooked. The Red Knights return a pair of double digit scorers in seniors Tamyia Collier and Yamilex Rodriguez. Freshman guard Xiani Beatty will be an impact player at the Geigle Complex. The Mustangs have plenty of young talent as well. Bella Super, Brooklyn George, and Bridget Martin return for their sophomore seasons. Super provided a dozen points a night last year and connected 34 times from beyond the arc. Freshman forward Saray Renninger has a bright future in Shillington. Mike Clark is one win shy of 300. He’s entering his 17th season overall and 13th at Gov. Mifflin. If the 3-pointers are falling, you can never count out the Mustangs. They’ve piled up 14 Berks League titles.

Exeter begins a new chapter with the graduation of Grace Reedy, the school’s all-time leading scorer at 1,403 points. Reedy poured in 21 ppg. last winter and was named to the Class 5A All-State team. The Eagles have an athletic group that includes Meredith Fylypowycz, Maggie Kopanski, Chayse Flood, and Lillie Keperling. Coaches around the league don’t expect Exeter to fall off the map because Reedy is gone.

Brandywine Heights and Schuylkill Valley round out my initial rankings. Rob Benner takes over for Jason Bieber as the Bullets’ head coach. Bieber is the new skipper of the Fleetwood boys basketball program. Meanwhile, Benner will be relying on some familiar faces. His daughters, Addison and Sophia, hope to get Brandywine Heights back to the postseason. Addison Benner, a skilled 5’11 senior, needs just twenty points to join the 1,000 club. Her sister Sophia, a talented freshman guard, will be part of an uptempo offense. Junior guard Elyssa Sellers could have a big season in Leesport. The southpaw averaged nearly eight points last year for the Panthers. Sellers and senior guard CC Reali are joined by Gov. Mifflin transfer Hannah West.

Twin Valley and Conrad Weiser are a couple of other teams to watch. They easily could have slid into my rankings. Hailey Kilgore should be the focal point of the Raiders’ offense after averaging 14 ppg. as a sophomore. She drilled 47 three-pointers. Syracuse lacrosse commit Ellie Kaplan is part of a solid junior class that includes Olivia Schmittinger. Matt Hahn begins his first full season as head coach in Elverson. The Scouts also have a new man in charge. Athletic director Chris Kline has an experienced group of players in Robesonia. Five of them were part of the starting lineup at different times last winter. Seniors Alex Trevena, Gisselle Feliciano, and Lauren Grabosky look to improve on a (6-16) campaign. Trevena averaged a team-high 7 ppg. with 28 triples. Speaking of triples, she’s headed to Kent State for softball. Grabosky, a 6’ center, will help in the rebounding department. She had 16 boards in their season opener. Sophomore Geniva Paul is another underclassmen to keep an eye on. It will be difficult for Oley Valley to reach 17 victories again this year. Morgan Snyder ended her career with more than 1,000 points. The All-County selection is now playing field hockey at Penn State.

Without further ado, here is my poll for the Berks Girls Basketball League. Ranking the top eight teams wasn’t easy. I consider many of the spots to be interchangeable this year. The records that you see below are from last season. Remember that no matter where your favorite school is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow!

“The Great 8”

1.Wyomissing (31-1)

2.Wilson (24-5)

3.Berks Catholic (12-13)

4.Reading (10-13)

5.Gov. Mifflin (15-10)

6.Exeter (14-10)

7.Brandywine Heights (14-8)

8.Schuylkill Valley (15-9)

Wilson is the defending BCIAA champion and the consensus favorite in the county this season. The Bulldogs have cut the nets down three times over the past five years at Santander Arena. They return four starters and several key reserve players. Wilson pushed back its opener against Central Dauphin due to another lengthy football season. Madyx Gruber, Correll Akings, Mike Glover, Cam Zullinger, and Christo Hunsicker will all be making a quick transition from the gridiron. The Bulldogs had a great summer on the court. They didn’t lose a single game in the West Reading and Cedar Beach Leagues.

Reading is searching for its 26th Berks County title since 1980. It will be difficult to replace All-State selection Yadiel Cruz and his 22 points per game. Jeremiah Camara, the son of head coach Francis Camara, and Weshly Rosario return in the backcourt. The big question is when will 6’10 junior Blake Adams be able to play for the Red Knights. Nativity still hasn’t signed off on his transfer. Adams averaged nearly nine points, eight rebounds, and three blocks there a season ago. The good news is Kahlil Samuel has returned to Reading from New York, and there are a couple of young players to keep an eye on. Freshman Cameron “Bron Bron” Jones and sophomore Jostin DeCastro are names to remember.

Berks Catholic has the top player in the county and a coach with 815 career wins. Snip Esterly is preparing for his 36th year as a head coach. He will rely on 6’2 junior guard Kingston McKoy. The All-State pick has made a full recovery from a fractured tibia that occurred on January 23rd versus Reading. McKoy is an elite defender who can score at all three levels. The Saints will have some newcomers in the mix. Freshman guard Carmelo Harper opened eyes this summer and 6’2 junior forward Gavin Welker transferred from Daniel Boone. In addition, football standout Bryce Gumby has decided to play basketball again.

A nice collection of talent has assembled in Laureldale over the past few years. Freddy Lacey, a transfer from Daniel Boone, is the most recent to join the Muhls. All-County guard Shermar Killen is poised for a big senior season. Eli Hemmings is one of the top sophomores in the area. Jayden Kantner and L.J. Armstrong will help Muhlenberg to push the tempo, while Mike Miller provides a physical presence. The Muhls are always a dangerous opponent, especially in their gym.

Exeter has won 46 games over the past two seasons. The Eagles, however, lost three significant pieces to graduation in Kevin Saenz, Reece Garvin, and Alex Kelsey. Saenz was arguably the most versatile player in the county last year. Exeter will have a strong football flavor on its roster. Aidan Dauble, Carter Redding, Jayden Ware, and Braylon Reinert could all be in the starting lineup. They’re joined by a terrific long range shooter in Brady Murray.

There’s optimism in Shillington this winter. The Mustangs expect to improve upon a (8-14) record. They had ten juniors on the team last season. They’re all back with the exception of UConn baseball commit Bryce Detwiler. Former All-County guard Garrett Etzel returned to Gov. Mifflin as its head coach. Etzel was at the helm in Wyomissing last year. Matt Koehler, Andrew Galantuomo, Stephen Mayo, and Jahmair Johnson form an experienced nucleus for the Mustangs.

Speaking of experience, Conrad Weiser has seven seniors on its squad this year. Donovan Gingrich and Brady McKee have become household names in Robesonia. Gingrich holds the school record for 3-pointers in a career. McKee is a point guard with the ability to score. Evan Miller is back after not playing last season. He had shoulder surgery following the 2023 football season. All-State soccer player Gavin Rapp will also give the Scouts some size. Once again, Conrad Weiser has a new head coach. Joey Negron is in charge after being an assistant to Mike Dooley a season ago. Marquis Marshall, the son of longtime NBA player Donyell Marshall, has joined the Scouts’ staff.

Wyomissing has a new head coach as well. Konlan Krick is now leading the Spartans into battle. He was an assistant at Exeter for the previous seven years. Danny Fleischood is Wyomissing’s #1 scoring option. The 6’1 guard averaged a dozen points as a sophomore. The Spartans also have an outstanding all-around athlete in Justice Hardy (Football/Track), and a 3-point threat in Dylan Latourelle.

Schuylkill Valley, Oley Valley, and Antietam are other teams to watch. The Panthers went (15-7) last season and return three starters in Luke Spotts, Kowen Gerner, and Cooper Hohenadel. That trio helped Schuylkill Valley capture the Section 5 football championship in the Lancaster-Lebanon League this fall. Ben DeBalko knocked down 63 treys for the (12-11) Lynx a season ago. He led the county in that department. Antietam only had one senior on its roster last year when the Mounts finished (12-12). They qualified for the BCIAA and District 3 playoffs. Fleetwood won 20 games last season, but the Tigers must replace all five starters.

Without further ado, here is my preseason poll for the Berks Conference. The records listed below are from 2023-24. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow!

“The Great 8”

1.Wilson (17-9)

2.Reading (22-11)

3.Berks Catholic (23-5)

4.Muhlenberg (16-12)

5.Exeter (19-10)

6.Gov. Mifflin (8-14)

7.Conrad Weiser (8-14)

8.Wyomissing (11-11)

Wilson earned its 29th Section 1 championship in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The Bulldogs completed their 49th consecutive winning season, a state record. Exeter made its third appearance in the District 3 Final in the past four years. The Eagles’ twelve wins were the most in Berks County this fall.

Two of Wyomissing’s three losses came against Lampeter-Strasburg, including a 30-27 overtime defeat in the District 3-4A championship. The Spartans are a staggering (71-9) over the last six years. Conrad Weiser had its best campaign since 1996. The Scouts captured the Section 3 title after going (2-8) a season ago.

Twin Valley reached the District 3 semifinals for the third straight year. Schuylkill Valley brought the Section 5 championship to Leesport. Berks Catholic returned to the District 3 playoffs in Dave Stahler’s first season as head coach.

Without further ado, here is my final Berks County high school football poll for 2024. Thanks to all of the coaches and athletic directors who helped with my coverage this year. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow!

“The Great 8”

1.Wilson (11-2)

2.Exeter (12-2)

3.Wyomissing (10-3)

4.Conrad Weiser (10-1)

5.Twin Valley (9-3)

6.Schuylkill Valley (9-3)

7.Berks Catholic (7-5)

8.Gov. Mifflin (5-6)

Section 1:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Madyx Gruber (Wilson) and Declan Clancy (Manheim Township)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Tristan Long (Cedar Crest)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Braden Charles (Hempfield)

Offensive Back of the Year-Madyx Gruber (Wilson)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Owen Marks (Manheim Township)

Defensive Back of the Year-Donnie Rodriguez (Manheim Township)

Linebacker of the Year-Gabriel Laws (Reading)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Julian Larue (Manheim Township)

Section 2:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Jayden Zandier (Exeter)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Logan Wegman (Exeter)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Jayden Johnson (Conestoga Valley) and Carter Redding (Exeter)

Offensive Back of the Year-Jayden Zandier (Exeter)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Logan Wegman (Exeter)

Defensive Back of the Year-Isaiah Sensenig (Conestoga Valley)

Linebacker of the Year-Chase Prange (Ephrata)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Justin Corson (Conestoga Valley)

Section 3:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Donovan Gingrich (Conrad Weiser)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Thomas Dattoli (Cocalico)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Evan Rittle (Conrad Weiser)

Offensive Back of the Year-Donovan Gingrich (Conrad Weiser)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Tyler Groff (Manheim Central)

Defensive Back of the Year-Gabe Forren (Solanco)

Linebacker of the Year-Jackson Shelby (Warwick)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Cullen Witmer (Garden Spot)

Section 4:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Caileb Howse (Lampeter-Strasburg)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Carter Faubel (Twin Valley)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Ben Grundy (Twin Valley)

Offensive Back of the Year-Caileb Howse (Lampeter-Strasburg)

Defensive Back of the Year-Justice Hardy (Wyomissing)

Linebacker of the Year-Emory Fluhr (Lampeter-Strasburg)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Carter Faubel (Twin Valley)

Section 5:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Brandon Way (Lancaster Catholic)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Jon Shay (Annville-Cleona)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Tyler Werley (Hamburg)

Offensive Back of the Year-Brandon Way (Lancaster Catholic)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Palmer Reber (Berks Catholic)

Defensive Back of the Year-Cooper Hohenadel (Schuylkill Valley)

Linebacker of the Year-Logan Cammauf (Schuylkill Valley)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Jon Shay (Annville-Cleona)

Twin Valley’s season came to an end after a 31-13 loss at top-seeded Lampeter-Strasburg. Two of the Raiders’ three losses this year came at the hands of the (12-0) Pioneers. Twin Valley reached the District 3 semifinals for the third straight season. The 14 seniors on the Raiders’ roster helped to raise the bar in Elverson.

Wilson’s winning streak is up to nine. The Bulldogs have a tough test awaiting in the District 3-6A Championship. Harrisburg is trying to pull off a 4-peat. The (10-2) Cougars eliminated #1 seed Manheim Township 35-14 last week. Wilson and Harrisburg will square off on Saturday at 1pm at Exeter. I’ll have updates from Don Thomas Stadium.

Speaking of Exeter, the Eagles face another perennial powerhouse in the District 3-5A Final. Bishop McDevitt is looking for its 18th District title and fourth in a row. The (11-2) Crusaders battle Exeter on Friday at 7pm at ELCO. You could throw out the seeds in the Class 5A tournament this fall. Bishop McDevitt is the #6 seed and Exeter is a deceptive #8 seed with just one loss. I’ll have updates from Myerstown.

Wyomissing gets another shot at Lampeter-Strasburg on Friday. That’s a 7pm kickoff at Warwick. This time the District 3-4A crown is up for grabs. The second-seeded Spartans have claimed a dozen District 3 championships including five straight. The Pioneers are searching for their fourth District 3 title.

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

“The Great 8”

1.Wilson (11-1)

2.Exeter (12-1)

3.Wyomissing (10-2)

4.Conrad Weiser (10-1)

5.Twin Valley (9-3)

6.Schuylkill Valley (9-3)

7.Berks Catholic (7-5)

8.Gov. Mifflin (5-6)

The Bulldogs are riding an 8-game winning streak. They’ve allowed 20 points or less in every game since a Week 3 loss at Nazareth. Cedar Crest managed just a field goal last Friday in West Lawn. Wilson hosts third-seeded Central York this week in the District 3-6A semifinals. The (9-2) Panthers blew out CD East 47-14 in the quarterfinals. Brooklyn Nace, a 6’2 junior, has thrown for more than 2,000 yards this season. His top target is junior Brendyn Smith (5’10, 150). If you’re into comparing scores, Central York fell to Manheim Township 28-10 in Week 2. The Bulldogs defeated the Blue Streaks 34-16 in their regular season finale.

Exeter travels to #4 seed Conestoga Valley on Friday in the District 3-5A semifinals. These squads are very familiar with each other. The (11-0) Buckskins knocked off the Eagles 28-27 one month ago at Don Thomas Stadium. Jayden Zandier was ruled short of the goal line on a two-point conversion with eight seconds remaining. Exeter received some good news this week. Starting quarterback Riley Martinez was cleared to play after suffering a fracture in his right leg against Muhlenberg. Conestoga Valley junior QB Sawyer Esbenshade has passed for 1,934 yards and 24 touchdowns this fall.

Twin Valley also gets a shot at redemption this Friday. The fifth-seeded Raiders visit top-seeded Lampeter-Strasburg in the District 3-4A semifinals. The (11-0) Pioneers blasted Twin Valley 62-14 in Week 9. Caileb Howse has accounted for 31 offensive touchdowns this season. He has 1,312 yards through the air and another 1,183 on the ground. The Raiders got speedy running back Drew Engle back last week. He ran for 122 yards on 18 carries in a 47-19 victory at Susquehanna Township. Engle provided three scores. He had been out since suffering an injury in the season opener at Berks Catholic. Engle has 2,000 career rushing yards.

Wyomissing meets third-seeded West York on Saturday in the other District 3-4A semifinal. That’s a 1pm kickoff at Bob Wolfrum Field. The Spartans are (21-0) all-time in home playoff games! They dismantled East Pennsboro 31-0 last week. West York got past Eastern York 5-3 in the quarterfinals. Yes, that was the final score. The (9-2) Bulldogs dropped back-to-back contests in early October. They lost to South Western by 20 points and then got tripped up by New Oxford 41-14.

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

“The Great 8”

1.Wilson (10-1)

2.Exeter (11-1)

3.Wyomissing (9-2)

4.Conrad Weiser (10-1)

5.Twin Valley (9-2)

6.Schuylkill Valley (9-3)

7.Berks Catholic (7-5)

8.Gov. Mifflin (5-6)

Exeter handed top-seeded New Oxford its first loss in the District 3-5A quarterfinals. Jake Franek’s 32-yard field goal gave the (11-1) Eagles a thrilling 24-21 victory. Exeter travels to unbeaten Conestoga Valley next week.

Conrad Weiser lost to Bishop McDevitt 42-7 in the District 3-5A quarterfinals at Robesonia. The Scouts finish (10-1).

Twin Valley won at Susquehanna Township 47-19 in the District 3-4A quarterfinals. The (9-2) Raiders visit (11-0) Lampeter-Strasburg next Friday. Twin Valley has advanced to the District 3 semifinals for the third consecutive season.

Schuylkill Valley fell at Trinity 20-17 in overtime in the District 3-3A semifinals. The Panthers’ 8-game winning streak comes to a halt. Schuylkill Valley ends the year at (9-3).

Berks Catholic lost at top-seeded Bermudian Springs 42-25 in the District 3-3A semifinals. The Saints went (7-5) in Dave Stahler’s first season as head coach.

Wilson meets #7 seed Cedar Crest in West Lawn on Friday. The winner advances to the District 3-6A semifinals. These schools met on September 20th with the Bulldogs prevailing 14-7. Wilson had a goal line stand in that one. The Falcons soared past #10 Hempfield 49-29 in the opening round.

Exeter travels to top-seeded New Oxford in the District 3-5A quarterfinals on Friday. The (10-0) Colonials are making their 11th appearance in the tournament. They’ve scored at least 30 points in eight consecutive contests. New Oxford’s closest game was its opener versus Bermudian Springs. The Colonials won 28-13. Exeter is hoping that 6’3 junior quarterback Riley Martinez can return this week from a fractured right leg.

Conrad Weiser takes on #6 Bishop McDevitt in Robesonia on Friday. Don’t be fooled by that seed. The Crusaders are (66-9) all-time in District’s with 17 championships, including three in a row. Kentucky commit Stone Saunders has thrown for 2,473 yards and 34 touchdowns. Bishop McDevitt’s two losses were to Harrisburg 35-33 in overtime and at State College 58-55 in Week 10. The third-seeded Scouts are making their 18th trip to the District 3 playoffs. I’ll have live updates from this Class 5A quarterfinal.

Twin Valley visits fourth-seeded Susquehanna Township in the District 3-4A quarterfinals on Friday. The (8-2) Indians are riding a 6-game winning streak. They have an explosive offense which features South Carolina commit Lex Cyrus and junior quarterback Torin “TD” Evans. Cyrus, a sprinter on the track team, has 52 catches for 819 yards and 8 TD. Evans is completing 65% of his passes with 26 TD and just 3 INT. He has thrown for 2,367 yards. The fifth-seeded Raiders are making their fourth straight appearance in the District 3 playoffs. Senior Evan Myers is now second in Berks County history with 5,595 career passing yards.

Wyomissing entertains #7 East Pennsboro on Saturday at 1pm at Bob Wolfrum Field. The second-seeded Spartans are (20-0) all-time in home playoff games! The (8-3) Panthers have won eight of their last nine contests. Junior quarterback Turner Barlup is completing 69% of his attempts for 1,430 yards. He has 14 touchdown tosses and only one pick. East Pennsboro eliminated #10 Susquehannock 42-14 last week. This is the Panthers’ 12th appearance in District’s. Wyomissing had a bye after getting tripped up by Lampeter-Strasburg 20-7.

Schuylkill Valley is on the road at #2 Trinity on Friday. The Panthers’ winning streak has climbed to eight. They hammered #6 Littlestown 55-13 last week in the Class 3A quarterfinals. That was Schuylkill Valley’s third victory in the District 3 tournament. The (8-2) Shamrocks competed in Class 2A in 2023. This is their 12th trip to District’s. Trinity has claimed three championships.

Berks Catholic heads to top-seeded Bermudian Springs on Friday. The (9-1) Eagles haven’t lost since their opener against New Oxford. Senior fullback Eddie Sebright has a team-high 943 rushing yards and 14 TD. He’s averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Bermudian Springs is in the District 3 field for the 21st time. The Eagles own three titles. The fifth-seeded Saints have won five games in a row. They’re (20-5) all-time in the District 3 playoffs with four championships. Berks Catholic cruised by #4 Biglerville 48-7 last week in the Class 3A quarterfinals.

Without further ado, here are my Berks County high school football rankings. The only change this week is that Berks Catholic and Gov. Mifflin switched spots. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow!

“The Great 8”

1.Wilson (9-1)

2.Exeter (10-1)

3.Wyomissing (8-2)

4.Conrad Weiser (10-0)

5.Twin Valley (8-2)

6.Schuylkill Valley (9-2)

7.Berks Catholic (7-4)

8.Gov. Mifflin (5-6)