Daniel – Berks Sports Report

Rob Flowers Resigns

Paul Roberts — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 22:31:00 +0000

Rob Flowers is stepping down as the head coach of the Daniel Boone football team. Flowers is proud of what he was able to accomplish in Birdsboro. “I love what we were able to do for our five years here at Daniel Boone. We opened up minds and hearts through love,” said Flowers. He guided the Blazers to a (5-4) record in 2021. They made their first appearance in the District 3 playoffs since 2014. Daniel Boone struggled in Section 3 of the expanded Lancaster-Lebanon League this year. The Blazers finished (2-8, 1-5). They ended a 6-game losing streak by beating Fleetwood 35-8 in their season finale. There were 18 seniors on Daniel Boone’s roster. Flowers went (17-31) over his five years in Birdsboro.

Flowers told me that he’s not done coaching, but his next opportunity will have to be the right fit. Before taking over the Blazers’ football program, Flowers served as the head coach at Reading High for seven seasons. He added that he wants to focus on his role as Director of Community Relations and Equity Awareness in the Daniel Boone School District.

Flowers was a standout quarterback at Muhlenberg. He was part of the Muhls’ 1998 team that won eleven games and an I-C League championship. Flowers played professionally for the Reading Express and was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. He led the Express to the AIFA title that season. Flowers is currently an assistant basketball coach at Hamburg High School.

Rob Flowers-Daniel Boone

Paul Roberts — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:40:00 +0000

It wasn’t the season that they hoped for, but the Blazers went out on a high note. Daniel Boone blew out Fleetwood 35-8 in its season finale. The Blazers led 35-0 at halftime. They outgained the Tigers 409-245 in total yards and snapped a 6-game losing streak. “It was great to end with a big win for these guys. It was big for us just to send these seniors out the right way. It was so important,” said head coach Rob Flowers. Dean Rotter threw for 145 yards and 2TD. The 6’0, 180-pound junior did more damage with his legs. He ran for 181 yards on just six carries. “Dean has turned into a really good football player, especially when he started to play defense a little bit more. Dean understands what he can and can’t do,” noted Flowers. Rotter passed for 1,208 yards with ten touchdowns and eight interceptions. His top two wide receivers, Max Heffner and Anthony High, will also return next year. They’re both sophomores. Heffner reeled in a team-high 32 receptions for 495 yards and a score. High added 23 catches. The 6’0, 205-pounder made three trips to the end zone. Ethan Kryman is another skill position player who will be back in 2023. The 5’8, 175-pound junior ran for 529 yards and 4TD. Kryman had a 26-yard touchdown grab at Fleetwood. “He just works hard [on] both sides of the ball. He’s able to produce and perform at a high level,” stated Flowers. Kryman averaged 4.5 yards per carry. The (2-8, 1-5) Blazers averaged 18 points while allowing 30 per contest. Flowers wrapped up his fifth year in Birdsboro. He’s known as a high-energy coach. I asked him how he remained optimistic during a frustrating season. He replied, “One of the things that we have to make sure we’re always doing is taking care of our young men; taking care of their minds, taking care of their bodies [and] taking care of their hearts. When you’re losing, that becomes more and more difficult to do.” Daniel Boone won five games a season ago and reached the District 3 playoffs. This was their first season in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Solanco went undefeated to capture the Section 3 championship. Elizabethtown and Garden Spot ended up tied for second place with (4-2) league records. The Blazers also competed with Ephrata, Twin Valley, and Fleetwood. Flowers thought Section 3 was balanced after Solanco. We talked about a potential Solanco-Exeter matchup in the District 3-5A playoffs. They’re the top two seeds in that classification. Flowers also revealed his favorite Halloween candy.

Daniel Alcantara-Reading

Paul Roberts — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:16:00 +0000

The Red Knights were down five to Muhlenberg midway through the third quarter in the BCIAA semifinals. If you thought they were going to panic, you don’t know this squad. Senior forward Daniel Alcantara told me they’ve been in tight games against tough opponents many times in recent years, and they have the utmost confidence in each other. Reading opened the fourth quarter with an 11-3 run and never looked back. The top-seeded Red Knights defeated the fourth-seeded Muhls 70-54 at Santander Arena. Alcantara, a 6’5 all-state selection last season, finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds. He started the final period with a three-point play. Myles Grey followed with a triple from the left wing. That was his only field goal of the game and his 51st trey of the season. Xavier Davis came up with a putback and Justin Walker converted a fast-break layup to force a Muhlenberg timeout with 5:21 remaining. Reading’s advantage had quickly expanded to 60-49. Alcantara splashed a 3-pointer with one minute to go for the cherry on top of the ice cream. The (18-6) Muhls were limited to one field goal over the last eight minutes. They were outscored 21-8 in the fourth quarter. Alcantara admitted that his opinion of Muhlenberg really changed after last week’s 63-61 loss in Laureldale. He knew the Red Knights had to be focused. Edwin Suarez got his fourth foul with 2:25 left in the third period. The Muhls were on top 44-41, however Reading immediately put together an 8-0 run with the 6’6 senior on the bench. Suarez collected 21 rebounds to go along with nine points, ten below his season average. Alcantara said you can’t stop Suarez, you just have to try and slow him down. Junior point guard “Dan Dan” Mosquera kept Muhlenberg in it with 17 points. The Muhls received 15 points from their bench including eight from Luis Valentin who banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Ruben Rodriguez (14) and Davis (12) combined for 26 points. The (21-3) Red Knights have won ten of their last eleven contests. Alcantara emphasized that Rodriguez impacts a game in a variety of ways. The all-state junior guard has 1,161 career points. Alcantara reached 1,000 points in Monday’s quarterfinal rout of Wyomissing. We discussed that special moment at the Geigle Complex. Muhlenberg’s seven-game winning streak came to an end. They were 8-16 from the free throw line with 21 turnovers. Reading went 14-26 from the stripe. The attendance for the semifinals on Wednesday was 2,946. Alcantara called Santander Arena a second home for the Red Knights. They’ll battle #2 seed Berks Catholic on Friday night. Reading is looking for its 24th Berks Conference championship.

Daniel Alcantara-Reading

Paul Roberts — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 23:07:00 +0000

It was Senior Night at the Geigle Complex and Daniel Alcantara wanted to put on a show. That’s exactly what the all-state forward did in the second half of Reading’s 89-55 rout of Wilson. Alcantara finished with a career-high 30 points. He knocked down five 3-pointers, including three from the left wing in the fourth quarter. The 6’5 senior is up to 989 career points. He’ll get a chance to reach 1,000 on Monday in the Berks County quarterfinals. The (19-3, 11-1) Red Knights will be back on their home court as the #1 seed. Alcantara was limited to seven points in Tuesday’s 63-61 loss at Muhlenberg. He felt it was important for the team to bounce back. Freshman Madyx Gruber came off the Bulldogs’ bench and hit back-to-back treys from the left corner to tie it at 25 with five minutes remaining in the second quarter. Reading answered with a 19-4 run and a 44-29 advantage at the break. Alcantara splashed a triple from NBA range with two and a-half minutes left in the third period. That shot from downtown made it 60-37. It was 67-46 entering the fourth quarter. Ruben Rodriguez opened the final period with a 3-pointer. The all-state guard dropped 26 points on the (14-7, 7-5) Bulldogs. Rodriguez jammed 19 points into the first half. He connected from beyond the arc before the buzzer at the end of the second quarter. Joey Chapman came alive in the third quarter with nine of his fifteen points. The Red Knights forced 21 turnovers and went 18-22 from the free throw line. They were 10-23 from the stripe against Muhlenberg. Alcantara told me he dreamed of playing at the Geigle as a kid. He said that this senior class is a fun group on and off the court. He’s going to miss them a lot. Alcantara is in no rush to make his college decision. The versatile scorer said he has one Division I offer and four Division II offers. Alcantara is working on his dribbling skills and quickness for the next level. As for now, he’s having a blast playing with his teammates. I asked him what he would say to people who are doubting the Red Knights after their loss at Muhlenberg. Alcantara, who had a big smile on his face, replied “Good luck.” Wilson is also headed to the county and District 3-6A playoffs. 6’4 senior Foday Sillah had a team-high 17 points. Cam Jones chipped in with 14. The Bulldogs ended up in third place in Division 1 behind Reading and Berks Catholic.

Daniel Alcantara-Reading

Paul Roberts — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 22:55:00 +0000

Can the Red Knights be even better than they were last season? Daniel Alcantara certainly believes so, and that’s saying a lot because Reading is the defending Class 6A state champion. Alcantara and company started the season in thrilling fashion with a 60-57 victory over perennial power Imhotep Charter from Philadelphia. Alcantara appreciated the fan support in the Hoop Group Showcase at Albright. He said, “I was getting goosebumps the whole game.” The all-state forward poured in 27 points, tying his career high. Alcantara knocked down four three-pointers including two early in the fourth quarter. Nine of his points came in the final period when the Red Knights saw an 11-point lead get cut to two. The 6’5 senior told me that he has worked on his jump shot with his dad for a very long time. Alcantara gave credit to senior guard Joey Chapman for stepping up. Chapman finished with 16 points. He hit two clutch free throws with one minute remaining. Chapman contributed eight points in the fourth quarter. Reading outscored Imhotep 36-29 in the second half. Alcantara enjoys facing tough competition. Sophomore guard Ahmad Nowell had a team-high 20 points for the Panthers. He’s ranked #24 in the Class of 2024 by ESPN. Imhotep also has one of the top juniors in the country in 6’8 forward Justin Edwards. His minutes were limited due to foul trouble. Edwards ended up with 13 points. He has numerous Division I offers including Kentucky. The Panthers were up 28-24 at halftime, but got outscored 16-9 in the third quarter. Alcantara described his emotions after the game. He discussed what the Red Knights need to improve on, but they will definitely enjoy this win tonight.

Nate Millard-Daniel Boone

Paul Roberts — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:03:00 +0000

Berks County has become known for producing quality high school kickers. There’s a really good one in Birdsboro this season. Nate Millard nailed a 46-yard field goal at Garden Spot in Week 3. That kick tied the school record. He told me that he made a 60-yard field goal in practice! Millard explained how he prepares for a long attempt. He also talked about the difference between kicking on grass and turf. I asked Millard if kickers deserve more respect. He gave a very thoughtful answer. The 5’10 senior was a second team All-County punter last year. He’s looking forward to taking on Gov. Mifflin this Friday night in Shillington. The Mustangs are the top-ranked team in the state in Class 5A. I also learned who Millard’s favorite teachers are at Daniel Boone. His favorite class may surprise you.

Ryan Souder-Daniel Boone

Paul Roberts — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Ryan Souder may not be the biggest middle linebacker at 5’8 and 166 pounds, but the junior is always around the football. Souder is Daniel Boone’s leading tackler and a returning starter. The Blazers are on a roll, winning five of their last six games. They’re #10 in the District 3-5A power rankings. The top 14 teams will qualify which Souder said would mean a lot to his teammates. Souder told me that sophomore QB Dean Rotter has really stepped up. Rotter is completing 62% of his passes with 12TD and 2INT. I asked Souder if he ever saw a better one-handed TD catch than the one Alex Vassallo made last week vs. Reading. He replied, “maybe in the NFL.” Souder is looking forward to getting a shot against Nick Singleton and the undefeated Gov. Mifflin Mustangs on Friday in Shillington. Singleton has a Berks County record 101 career TD’s! I found out that Souder is a huge movie fan, but until recently he had never watched any of the Star Wars films. You’ll hear about his favorite all-time movies.

Brian Hollis-Daniel Boone

Paul Roberts — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:13:00 +0000

The key to a good running game is the offensive line. Experience and size always help the cause. Daniel Boone has a three-year starter at right tackle in Brian Hollis. The 6’1, 295-pound senior loves when the Blazers pound the rock. He has helped senior RB A.J. Hofer run for 773 yards, fifth-best in Berks County. Hofer is averaging nearly six yards per carry. He rumbled for 140 yards and 2TD last week against Reading. Hollis told me about the energy that head coach Rob Flowers brings to the team. Flowers is in his 4th season in Birdsboro. Hollis knows that beating Gov. Mifflin won’t be easy on Friday, but he’s confident in his teammates. The Mustangs are ranked #1 in the state in Class 5A. Hollis also talked about what he likes to do to relax off of the field. Daniel Boone is (5-3) overall and (2-1) in Section 1 of the Berks Football League.

Alex Vassallo-Daniel Boone

Paul Roberts — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:35:00 +0000

One of the best plays this season in Berks County happened last Friday night. Blazers’ WR/DB Alex Vassallo made an INCREDIBLE one-handed touchdown catch in a (35-0) victory over Reading. We spent some time looking back on that reception which Vassallo said is the best of his career. The 177-pound senior was a second team All-County wide receiver last year. He’s second in the Berks Football League in catches this season with 44 including 5TD. Vassallo talked about the improvement of sophomore QB Dean Rotter who took over for an injured Carter Speyerer in Week 1. We discussed the importance of having a balanced offense. The (5-3) Blazers are on the road against undefeated Gov. Mifflin this Friday. Vassallo told me that the biggest key for Daniel Boone will be on the defensive side of the ball. Plus, an update on his fantasy football team.

Rob Flowers-Daniel Boone

Paul Roberts — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 18:58:00 +0000

Rob Flowers always seems to be in a great mood. His team has won five of its last six games so there’s definitely a lot of positive energy in Birdsboro these days. The (5-3) Blazers visit unbeaten Gov. Mifflin on Friday. As you probably guessed, Flowers is very excited about the challenge of facing the Mustangs. He told me what his defense has to do to try and slow down Nick Singleton. Flowers said the PSU commit is one of the top three running backs in Berks County history. He compared Singleton to Adrian Peterson. Just for fun, I decided to stir up a little family feud. I asked Flowers if he was a better high school player than his cousin and assistant coach Pete Gilmore. You don’t want to miss his answer! Flowers led Muhlenberg to an I-C League championship in 1998.