Gilmore was named the Berks County Player of the Year in 1999 when he ran for 1,810 yards and scored a school-record 33 touchdowns at Wilson. The Big 33 Classic pick ended his career with 3,506 rushing yards and 61 TD.

Romig was the first player in Berks County history to run for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. After piling up 4,492 yards and 69 touchdowns at Daniel Boone, Romig went on to have a Hall of Fame career at Albright.

Adams was well known as a big hitter and physical force in Wilson’s secondary. He was voted the Section 1 Defensive Back of the Year in the Lancaster-Lebanon League in 1993. Adams went on to play at UConn.

Bodolus completely turned around the football program at Daniel Boone from 2003-2011. He led the Blazers to 79 wins and seven trips to the District 3 playoffs. They won or shared three section championships in the I-C League.

Brice was an All-County offensive tackle and linebacker at Holy Name. He helped the Blue Jays win I-C League titles in 1979 and 1980. Brice became a standout player at Delaware.

Yocum was a three-year starter and All-State linebacker at Schuylkill Valley. He was a longtime youth football coach at Exeter. Yocum also served Berks County as a physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach.

Fleetwood went (13-28) over the past four seasons with Pangburn at the helm. The Tigers beat Shamokin 42-41 in overtime for the Eastern Conference Class 4A Championship in 2023. They finished (3-7) the following year. In 2025, Fleetwood won just two games. The Tigers have gone (0-12) in Section 3 of the L-L League in the last two seasons.

J.D. Okuniewski stepped down at Daniel Boone in November. He was the head coach in Birdsboro for three years. The Blazers finished (1-9, 1-6) this past fall. They were outscored 463-to-110. Pangburn is shifting from Section 3 to Section 4 of the L-L League.

Class 6A:

Mike Glover-TE (Wilson)

Jaiden Carpenter-DB (Wilson)

Class 5A:

Leo Brown-RB (Exeter)

Joel Ummarino-OL (Exeter)

Jayden Ware-DB (Exeter)

Cam Small-RB (Muhlenberg)

Class 4A:

Drew Engle-RB (Twin Valley)

Greyson Miller-OL (Twin Valley)

Ben Grundy-Athlete (Twin Valley)

Lucas Myers-LB (Twin Valley)

Ryan Rementer-LB (Twin Valley)

Justice Hardy-DB (Wyomissing)

Class 3A:

Logan Cammauf-LB (Schuylkill Valley)

Faith Zudie-DL (Berks Catholic)

Player of the Year-Leo Brown

Offensive Back of the Year-Leo Brown

Receiver of the Year-Mike Miller Jr.

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino

Linebacker of the Year-EJ Brownback

Defensive Back of the Year-Jaiden Carpenter

Coach of the Year-Rob Flowers

Offense:

QB-Mason Young

RB-Leo Brown, Cam Small, Javien Rivera

Athlete-Pat Steuer

WR-Mike Miller Jr., Jaiden Carpenter

TE-Mike Glover

OL-Joel Ummarino, Andre Osborne, Zavier Otero, Nate Gilfert, Kevin Oswalt

Kick Returner-Freddy Lacey

Kicker-Jake Franek

Long Snapper-Cole Peterson

Defense:

DL-Andre Osborne, Mike Glover, Joel Ummarino, Eugene Booth III

LB-EJ Brownback, Tanner Zornek, Pat Steuer, Cooper Burr

DB-Jaiden Carpenter, Idris Weaver, Lebron Leaf, Jayden Ware

Punter-Jake Franek

Player of the Year-Drew Engle

Offensive Back of the Year-Drew Engle

Receiver of the Year-Ben Grundy

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Greyson Miller

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Greyson Miller

Linebacker of the Year-Lucas Myers

Defensive Back of the Year-Justice Hardy

Coach of the Year-Brett Myers

Offense:

QB-Alex Aletras, Maverik Foster

RB-Drew Engle, Justice Hardy, Mason Sherry

Athlete-Owen Schalk

WR-Ben Grundy, Alex Gehret, Ethan Horvath

TE-Diamante Strong

OL-Noah DiGiacomo, Greyson Miller, Eric Bennethum, Anthony Zatorski, Astian Reppert

Kick Returner-Ben Grundy

Kicker-Alex Reali

Long Snapper-Nathan Malone

Defense:

DL-Faith Zudie, Astian Reppert, Greyson Miller, Andrew Bresnahan

LB-Lucas Myers, Chase Eisenhower, Tyler Niedrowski, Keenan Munn

DB-Justice Hardy, Drew Engle, Mason Mace, Grant Moser

Punter-Keegan Maher, Alex Reali

It didn’t take long to see why Hardy was so highly touted entering high school. He averaged 8.6 yards per carry and scored twelve touchdowns as a freshman. His presence was felt on defense as well with four interceptions. As a sophomore, Hardy was selected to the All-State team in Class 4A.

The 5’10, 190-pound junior ran for a team-high 979 yards and 15 TD this fall. He averaged a staggering 10.8 yards per carry. Hardy also led the Spartans with 12 catches for 127 yards and four scores. He was recently named the Defensive Back of the Year in Section 4 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Hardy made 40 tackles and three interceptions while forcing four fumbles this season.

Wyomissing reached the District 3-4A semifinals before dropping a nailbiter at top-seeded Susquehanna Township 37-35. Hardy ran for 156 yards and 2 TD on 17 carries in that game. He added a touchdown reception as the Spartans finished (10-2).

Hardy holds Division I offers from Temple, Liberty, Rice, and Kent State. He’s going from one outstanding program to another. Wyomissing has gone (81-11) over the past seven years. The Spartans captured a state championship in 2012 to go along with twelve District 3 titles. Meanwhile, Wilson currently owns the state record with 50 consecutive winning seasons. The Bulldogs have compiled 620 all-time victories.

Player of the Year-Drew Engle

Offensive Back of the Year-Drew Engle

WR of the Year-Mike Miller

OL of the Year-Greyson Miller

DL of the Year-Greyson Miller

LB of the Year-Lucas Myers

DB of the Year-Justice Hardy

Coach of the Year-Brett Myers

First Team Offense:

QB-Mason Young

RB-Drew Engle, Leo Brown, Cam Small

All-Purpose Back-Pat Steuer

WR-Mike Miller, Jaiden Carpenter

TE-Mike Glover

OL-Joel Ummarino, Greyson Miller, Eric Bennethum, Nate Gilfert, Kevin Oswalt

Kick Returner-Freddy Lacey

Kicker-Alex Reali

First Team Defense:

DL-Mike Glover, Andre Osborne, Greyson Miller, Joel Ummarino

LB-Lucas Myers, EJ Brownback, Tyler Niedrowski, Pat Steuer

DB-Justice Hardy, Jaiden Carpenter, Idris Weaver, Drew Engle

Punter-Keegan Maher

Long Snapper-Zander Westwood

Twin Valley got off to a fast start. Drew Engle ripped off a 39-yard run on the first play from scrimmage. Lucas Myers, Brett’s son, went untouched up the middle for a 20-yard touchdown just two minutes into the game. Southern Lehigh responded quickly with an 80-yard drive that took less than three minutes. Steckert followed up his 46-yard run with an 11-yard score to make it 7-7. The Raiders’ 21-yard field goal attempt on the ensuing possession was no good after a low snap bounced back to the holder. Freshman Declan Walsh converted the first field goal of the Spartans’ season for a 10-7 edge. The 24-yard kick came with 3:17 left in the second quarter. Sophomore Maverik Foster then hit Dominic Summers over the top of Southern Lehigh’s defense for a 64-yard touchdown pass. Once again, the Spartans had an answer. On fourth-and-1 with 25 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Steckert bounced outside and raced 27 yards down the left sideline for a score. The District 11 champs were in front 17-14 at halftime.

On the first series of the second half, Colton Sams found Otto Young down the left seam for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Sophomore Adam Fritts then picked off Foster, setting up Southern Lehigh at Twin Valley’s 31-yard line. A 6-yard run by Steckert put the Spartans on top 30-14 midway through the third quarter. Engle capped a 65-yard drive by the Raiders with a 4-yard touchdown run. Twin Valley opted not to try a 2-point conversion and trailed 30-21 with 2:44 to go in the third period.

One of the pivotal plays of the night came early in the fourth quarter with Southern Lehigh facing a fourth-and-6 at the Raiders’ 43-yard line. Sams had plenty of time to throw and connected with Luke Kawczenski over the middle for a 12-yard gain to move the chains. Sams, the son of head coach Phil Sams, fired a slant to Young moments later for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Although the 2-point conversion was stuffed, Southern Lehigh had extended its advantage to 36-21 with 10:21 to play. Twin Valley decided to punt on fourth-and-11 near midfield with eight minutes left. The Spartans marched down the field, but Ben Grundy turned them away with an interception in the end zone with 4:45 remaining. Fritts, however, came up with his second pick on the very next play. Steckert polished off a short 13-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 2:06 on the clock. On the ensuing series, sophomore safety Jack Pavis made his team-high fifth interception.

After going 4-of-4 for 90 yards in the first half, Foster was 0-for-6 in the second half with 3 INT. He had not thrown a pick in the Raiders’ first 14 games. Engle ran 22 times for 175 yards. The Army Lacrosse commit finished with 2,095 rushing yards this season and 4,211 in his career. Those totals are both school records. He also holds the program record with 61 career touchdowns. “Drew is special. The way he competed tonight is special. He’s a great kid and he’s a leader,” noted Myers. Twin Valley had 325 total yards including 235 on the ground. Lucas Myers, a 215-pound junior, provided 52 yards on 11 carries.

Sams went 13-of-18 for 145 yards. The 5’11, 169-pound junior already owns the all-time records for passing yards and touchdown passes at Southern Lehigh. Sams threw for 2,688 yards and 36 TD this year. He and Steckert were All-State selections a season ago in Class 4A. Young had three catches for 79 yards and two scores against the Raiders. Kawczenski chipped in with six receptions for 48 yards. The Spartans’ offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. That group includes 6’4, 336-pound senior Carter Giberson who’s committed to Albany.

When the pain of this loss subsides, Twin Valley will look back at a lot of special memories. The Raiders established a school record with 14 wins. They knocked off Wyomissing and Lampeter-Strasburg in back-to-back weeks to claim the Section 4 title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. They defeated top-seeded Susquehanna Township 41-21 for their first District 3 crown. Twin Valley held off five-time state champion Aliquippa 28-24 in the PIAA-4A semifinals. The Raiders averaged 48.7 ppg. during the historic 2025 campaign. “Twin Valley is a special place, special families. It’s a special school. If I was a young person looking for a place to raise my kids, I’d be moving to Twin Valley because it’s a great place,” said Myers.

Section 1:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Orion Abrams (Hempfield)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Mike Glover (Wilson)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Orion Abrams (Hempfield)

Offensive Back of the Year-Isaiah Zimmerman (Cedar Crest)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Mike Glover (Wilson)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Cadyn Buckwalter (Hempfield)

Linebacker of the Year-Landyn Kline (Cedar Crest)

Defensive Back of the Year-Jaiden Carpenter (Wilson)

Coach of the Year-Mark Evans (Manheim Township)

Section 2:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Sawyer Esbenshade (Conestoga Valley)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino (Exeter)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Josiah Garcia (Conestoga Valley)

Offensive Back of the Year-Sawyer Esbenshade (Conestoga Valley)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino (Exeter)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino (Exeter)

Linebacker of the Year-Chase Prange (Ephrata)

Defensive Back of the Year-Jayden Ware (Exeter)

Coach of the Year-Jon Scepanski (Conestoga Valley)

Section 3:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Johnny Garcia (Solanco)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Vinny Bagonis (Warwick)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Cody Hess (Manheim Central)

Offensive Back of the Year-Johnny Garcia (Solanco)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Calvin Bent (Warwick)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Vinny Bagonis (Warwick)

Linebacker of the Year-Gabe Martin (Garden Spot)

Defensive Back of the Year-Gabe Forren (Solanco)

Coach of the Year-Tony Cox (Solanco)

Section 4:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Drew Engle (Twin Valley)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Greyson Miller (Twin Valley)

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

Offensive Back of the Year-Drew Engle (Twin Valley)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Greyson Miller (Twin Valley)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Greyson Miller (Twin Valley)

Linebacker of the Year-Lucas Myers (Twin Valley)

Defensive Back of the Year-Justice Hardy (Wyomissing)

Coach of the Year-Bob Wolfrum (Wyomissing)

Section 5:

Outstanding Back of the Year-Colton Hegener (Lancaster Catholic)

Outstanding Lineman of the Year-Hudson Sellers (Annville-Cleona)

Wide Receiver of the Year-Colton Hegener (Lancaster Catholic)

Offensive Back of the Year-Mason Sherry (Kutztown)

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Eric Bennethum (Berks Catholic)

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Hudson Sellers (Annville-Cleona)

Linebacker of the Year-Logan Cammauf (Schuylkill Valley)

Defensive Back of the Year-Colton Hegener (Lancaster Catholic)

Coach of the Year-Matt Gingrich (Annville-Cleona)

Twin Valley is averaging 50.6 points, but the (14-0) Raiders struggled offensively in the semifinals against WPIAL powerhouse Aliquippa. The Quips only allowed 113 total yards. They didn’t give up a single first down in the second half. Twin Valley took advantage of outstanding field position in the first half. Ryan Rementer and Keenan Munn came up with key interceptions that led to 14 points in the second quarter. Rementer and Lucas Myers, the son of head coach Brett Myers, are the Raiders’ top two tacklers. Twin Valley is limiting opponents to 11 ppg. Myers, a 215-pound junior linebacker, has a team-high nine sacks. Junior defensive end Andrew Cabigas (6’3, 215) has added five sacks. Rementer and Drew Engle have three interceptions apiece.

Engle is much more well known for what he’s done on the offensive side of the ball. The 5’11, 185-pound senior holds school records for single-season (1,920) and career (4,036) rushing yards. His 60 touchdowns are the most in program history. The Army lacrosse commit is averaging 9.5 yards per carry this year. Myers has also been a force in a rushing attack that puts up 287 yards a night. He has 1,147 yards and 24 TD on the ground this season. Myers scored three times in the victory over Aliquippa a week ago. They run behind an offensive line that averages 279 pounds. The Raiders get just 96 yards per contest through the air. Sophomore Maverik Foster has been very efficient for the District 3 champs. He’s completing 71% of his passes with 16 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Southern Lehigh is more balanced offensively. The (14-1) Spartans average 231 rushing yards and 172 passing yards. Sean Steckert has been a workhorse again this year. The 5’9, 175-pound senior has put together back-to-back seasons with more than 2,000 yards on the ground. Steckert has piled up 2,911 yards and 41 TD in 2025. He’s been good for 8.3 yards per pop on a whopping 349 carries. Steckert ran the ball 46 times in the District 11-4A Final versus Bethlehem Catholic. He finished that 49-28 win with 277 yards and five touchdowns. Steckert turned 40 carries into 210 yards and three scores last week against Cardinal O’Hara. Southern Lehigh was in front 21-0 in the second quarter, but needed a late rally. Steckert’s 4-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds left was the difference. He’s a standout on the wrestling mat as well with 80 career wins. The Spartans’ offensive line includes Carter Giberson (6’4, 336), Lucas Sutyak (6’3, 292), and Dylan Gretz (6’2, 247). Giberson is committed to Albany.

Colton Sams, the son of head coach Phil Sams, is the quarterback for an offense that averages 39.9 ppg. The 5’11, 169-pound junior is already in the record books at Southern Lehigh. Sams is the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. In 2025, he has thrown for 2,543 yards with 34 TD and 5 INT. Sams is completing 72% of his attempts. Darius Roman and Luke Kawczenski are his top targets. The two seniors have combined for 95 receptions, 1,379 yards, and 16 touchdowns. Roman (5’8, 185) came up big in the state semifinals. He reeled in seven passes for 112 yards and a score. Sams was 14-of-18 last week for 149 yards and a touchdown.

The Spartans are allowing 16.5 ppg. Senior linebackers Dariuz Lightner and Jacoby Jacobs have 95 tackles apiece. Gretz has wreaked havoc on the defensive line with 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Sophomore safety Jack Pavis and Lightner each have four interceptions. Pavis is third on the squad with 61 tackles.

Southern Lehigh’s lone loss came at the hands of Northwestern Lehigh on October 24th. The undefeated Tigers prevailed 36-28. Northwestern Lehigh is going for its second straight PIAA-3A title on Saturday afternoon. Twin Valley’s closest game was last week’s thriller with Aliquippa. The Raiders trailed Susquehanna Township at halftime before pulling away 41-21 for their first District championship. Twin Valley knocked off Wyomissing 28-6 at Bob Wolfrum Field in Week 8. It was the Raiders’ first win over the Spartans since 2009.

48 minutes. That’s what Twin Valley and Southern Lehigh have left. 48 minutes to decide who leaves Chapman Field with state gold. All of the hours in the weight room and all of the time spent running sprints will be poured into those 48 minutes. The PIAA-4A Final is set for 7pm on Thursday. I’ll have live updates from Cumberland Valley.