Nate – Berks Sports Report

Nate Casiano-Conrad Weiser

Paul Roberts — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 20:57:00 +0000

He’s called “Big Nate” for a reason. Natkeis Casiano is 6’5 and 310 pounds. The defensive tackle only played in six games last season. He made a dozen tackles. The Conrad Weiser coaches say he’s much more focused this year which is bad news for the Scouts’ opponents. “I’ve improved drastically in my speed, my strength, my use of hands. I feel like I’m a lot better of a player than I was last year,” Casiano said. The Scouts are looking for a big improvement on the defensive side after allowing 32 points per game in 2021. They still finished (7-4) and qualified for the District 3-4A playoffs as the #7 seed. Conrad Weiser fell to Big Spring 49-35 in the first round. It was the Scouts’ 17th appearance in the District 3 tournament. They were the Class 2A runner-up in 1996. Casiano and company are hoping to get back to the postseason, but they’ll be relying on a lot of inexperienced players. Conrad Weiser returns just three starters on offense and three on defense. All-state selections Logan Klitsch (Dartmouth) and Aanjay Feliciano (Stetson) have moved on. Klitsch established school records with 5,110 career passing yards and 51 touchdown passes. He also ran for a team-high 680 yards and 19 scores a season ago. The 6’3, 195-pound Feliciano piled up 2,008 career receiving yards and 23 touchdown receptions. Those are both school records. He reeled in 71 catches for 1,248 yards and 15TD last year. Donovan Gingrich will take over at quarterback. The word around Robesonia is that the sophomore has a lot of potential. “It’s the way he can see the field when he has the ball in his hands. I feel like that’s something that our team should look out for. I believe in him all the way,” said Casiano. Gingrich averaged eight points as a freshman for the Scouts’ basketball team. He sank 43 three-pointers. Trey Dianna, another multi-sport athlete, is back at wide receiver. He ended up with 40 receptions and 5TD last year. Casiano mentioned that Sevon Parham could have a breakout season at running back. He rumbled for 222 yards on just 18 carries as a sophomore. Sophomore Kaleb Britting is making the transition to right tackle after starting at center last year. Ethan Rex is a 3-year starter on the offensive line. Casiano admitted that Rex is the toughest guy that he has to face in practice. Casiano called Jake Fox the smartest player on the team. Fox is a 6’4, 320-pound defensive tackle. Conrad Weiser also has a weapon in the kicking game. Senior Adam Noll told me that he’s made a 58-yard field goal during practice. Noll is an outstanding punter as well. Alan Moyer is about to enter his 20th season as the Scouts’ head coach. “He’s the perfect coach. I love him. He treats us well. He keeps energy up at practice,” emphasized Casiano. Moyer is a Conrad Weiser graduate who spent 15 years there as an assistant coach. The Scouts have a tough road ahead as part of Section 4 in the new Lancaster-Lebanon League. They’ll be competing against Wyomissing, Berks Catholic, Lampeter-Strasburg, Cocalico, ELCO, Donegal, and Octorara. When he’s not on the football field, Casiano likes to swim and play hoops. The Giants are his favorite NFL team. However, Casiano predicted that the Eagles will win the division. We also discussed his favorite teachers and video games. “Big Nate” will be easy to find on Friday nights this fall.

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.

Nate Goodman-Gov. Mifflin

Paul Roberts — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 00:03:00 +0000

Nate Goodman spent a lot of time in the Exeter backfield at Don Thomas Stadium. The 6’5, 225-pound DE had three sacks for Gov. Mifflin in a 54-21 victory over the Eagles. Goodman said the Mustangs made a statement in Section 1 of the Berks Football League. He told me that he was motivated by all of the trash talking that was going on during the week. Gov. Mifflin is ranked #1 in the state in Class 5A, but Goodman believes that the Mustangs can get a lot better! He talked about the keys on defense vs. Exeter. Gov. Mifflin finished with five sacks. Goodman also starts at OT. When I asked him about the Mustangs’ old school approach to offense, he said, “I get to go out every single play and punch somebody in the mouth.” Gov. Mifflin ran for 383 yards against the Eagles. The Mustangs are (6-0).

Nate Goodman-Gov. Mifflin

Paul Roberts — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:18:00 +0000

It’s a transition year for Nate Goodman. The 6’5, 225-pound senior is moving from TE to OT. Goodman said the offensive line is coming together nicely. The Mustangs set a Berks County record last season by averaging 54.5 points per game! They won their first District 3 championship and reached the state semifinals. Goodman likes the Mustangs’ chances in Section 1 of the Berks Football League. Gov. Mifflin has won 63 of its last 65 league games. Goodman talked about what he enjoys doing off the football field. He hopes to play DE in college.