Payne – Berks Sports Report

All-State Boys Basketball

Paul Roberts — Sun, 08 May 2022 10:19:00 +0000

If you had the opportunity to watch the PIAA basketball playoffs, you know that there is a tremendous amount of talent in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia area, District 12, produces several Division I players each year. Consequently, being recognized as an all-state player in our commonwealth is a great achievement. Three boys basketball players from Berks County received that honor this week.

Ruben Rodriguez of Reading was named first team all-state in Class 6A for the second consecutive season. The 6’1 junior led Berks County in scoring at nearly 20 points per game. He also averaged five assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Rodriguez guided the Red Knights to BCIAA and District 3-6A championships. The electric guard has scored 1,291 career points. He has accumulated 1,003 points over the past two seasons with the Red Knights. Rodriguez has earned the reputation as a clutch performer in big games.

Colin Payne of Exeter was named third team all-state in Class 5A. The 6’3 senior guard finished third in Berks County in scoring at 18 points per game. He knocked down 54 three-pointers this year. Payne helped the Eagles reach the state playoffs for the first time since 1999. They gave Chester a battle before falling 61-52 in the opening round. Payne is a three-sport athlete at Exeter. He was the quarterback of the football team and a starter on the baseball team. Payne threw for a single-season school record 2,363 yards as the Eagles captured their first District 3 title. He’s committed to Alvernia for basketball and football.

Hector Tiburcio of Antietam was named third team all-state in Class 2A for the second straight season. The 6’2 senior was a four-year starter for the Mounts. He ended his career with 1,426 points. Tiburcio led Antietam to the District 3-2A championship game in 2021 and 2022. He averaged 16.5 points this year and helped the Mounts win 20 games.

Colin Payne-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:25:00 +0000

The Eagles have three starters who were part of a football team that won the District 3-5A championship and reached the state semifinals. The football season didn’t end for Colin Payne, Joey Schlaffer, and Anthony Caccese until December 3rd. Exeter’s basketball team has only had three practices with all of its players, yet the Eagles are off to a (3-0) start. They took care of Manheim Township 59-46 on Tuesday in Reiffton. Payne told me it might take a month to get in basketball shape. The senior guard had a game-high 15 points against the Blue Streaks. Payne had six in the third quarter when Exeter built a 42-27 advantage. He’s averaging 15 points this season. Payne thought this was going to be a closer game. Manheim Township never threatened the Eagles in the second half. Payne said Joey Schlaffer’s defense and Teddy Snyder’s perimeter shooting were big keys. Schlaffer held senior guard Seth Miller to a quiet 14 points including just five in the second half. Schlaffer, a 6’6 junior who is committed to Penn State for football, had six points. He posted a double-double in Exeter’s first two games this season. Snyder finished with 12 points. The junior guard knocked down four of the Eagles’ nine 3-pointers. Sophomore Kevin Saenz added 12 points off the bench. How did Payne react when he heard that Saenz was transferring from Wilson to Exeter? He said, “Oh man, this is amazing. That’s the 6th man of the year.” Payne knows that the competition will be tough in Berks County once league play gets underway. The Eagles have a big test on Friday when they face Reading at the Geigle Complex.

Colin Payne-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 23:36:00 +0000

The Eagles made history with a 31-28 victory at Gov. Mifflin in the District 3-5A championship. It’s the first District 3 title for Exeter’s football program. When I asked Colin Payne about his emotions, he said, “Words can’t describe it.” The senior quarterback was 13-21 for 161 yards with 3TD and an INT. Payne now holds the single-season school record with 2,166 passing yards. We discussed his pivotal 5-yard completion to Joey Schlaffer on 4th & 4 with three minutes left. Payne told the coaches not to punt from the Mustangs’ 38-yard line and they listened to him. Payne followed up that play with another clutch pass to tight end J.R. Strauss which allowed the (10-3) Eagles to run out the clock. Their final drive lasted seven minutes and 35 seconds. Strauss, who’s going to Villanova, had four catches for 49 yards. Schlaffer finished with five grabs for 55 yards and 2TD. The 6’6 junior is committed to Penn State. Payne elaborated on his relationship with Schlaffer. We also talked about how he was able to handle the strong winds. Payne added that Exeter’s schedule has really benefited them in the postseason. The Eagles’ QB has always played with a chip on his shoulder. Now he has a gold medal around his neck.

Colin Payne-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 23:27:00 +0000

Colin Payne got off to a hot start on a chilly night at Don Thomas Stadium. The senior quarterback completed his first six passes, two for scores. The Eagles jumped out to a 20-0 lead over #10 South Western in the District 3-5A opening round. The Mustangs made it interesting and got within six points in the third quarter, but #7 Exeter pulled away for a 38-21 victory. Payne was 11-19 for 203 yards and 3TD. We talked about a clutch 97-yard TD drive in the fourth quarter which included a 59-yard screen pass to 220-pound fullback Ty Yocum. Payne joked that his teammates will give Yocum grief for getting caught from behind. Payne described his relationship with senior wide receiver Carson Schmidt. He also discussed what it’s like to run an offense with so many weapons. Schmidt had 2TD receptions tonight. PSU commit Joey Schlaffer made his fifth TD grab of the year, a 27-yarder in the first quarter. Payne has thrown for nearly 1,600 yards and 16TD this season. He practices passing in cold conditions so the weather doesn’t bother him. Payne gave credit to senior kicker and punter Mike Moser who made an important 27-yard FG late in the third quarter. Moser also had a punt stop at the Mustangs’ 1-yard line! Plus, Payne admitted to watching some film of Manheim Central. The (7-3) Eagles visit the (9-1) Barons next Friday in the quarterfinals.

Colin Payne-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 22:42:00 +0000

Exeter entered Friday’s game (0-6) all-time vs. Wilson. That losing streak came to an end in a big way. The Eagles defeated the Bulldogs 42-14 in front of about 4,000 fans. Senior quarterback Colin Payne finished 11-18 for 134 yards and 2TD; both to 6’6 junior Joey Schlaffer. Payne gave credit to Eric Nangle and the offensive line. Nangle ran for 209 yards and 3TD! Payne also described the atmosphere at Don Thomas Stadium.

Colin Payne-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 15:25:00 +0000

Colin Payne didn’t look like a first-year starting QB in the Eagles’ season opener against Central York. The Panthers are ranked #4 in the state in Class 6A by PennLive. Payne threw for 293 yards and 3TD. He went 16-24 with an INT. Exeter came up just short. The Eagles fell 35-28 in a thriller in Reiffton. Payne elaborated on the crucial 4th & 4 play with 38 seconds left from the Panthers’ 8-yard line. The senior praised tight end J.R. Strauss and wide receiver Joey Schlaffer. He also talked about running back Eric Nangle who piled up 94 yards and a TD on 22 carries.

Colin Payne-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:47:42 +0000

Colin Payne explained how basketball has helped him on the football field. He averaged a team-high 14.5 points per game last season. The senior quarterback revealed which teammate he would not want to get hit by at the goal line. We looked ahead to the Eagles’ season opener vs. defending District 3-6A champ Central York. Payne told me who the funniest guy on Exeter’s roster is this year. He also had some strong words for ALL of the video game players in Berks County!