PSU – Berks Sports Report

Jven Williams-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 01:05:00 +0000

Jven Williams told me that he was biting his nails during the Penn State game at Purdue on Thursday night. On Friday, his nails were safe. Wyomissing cruised to a 49-0 victory at Pottsville. The Spartans showed why they’re ranked second in the state in Class 3A. They outgained the Crimson Tide 422-to-132 and 290-56 on the ground. “I think we handled them,” said Williams. After forcing a three and out on the opening series, Wyomissing marched 55 yards on six plays for the first score, a 4-yard run by junior fullback Collin Niedrowski. A 23-yard pass from Ben Zechman to Drew Eisenhower on the Spartans’ next possession ended with a 15-yard face mask penalty against Pottsville. Matthew Kramer rumbled in from two yards away to give Wyomissing a 14-0 edge with three and a-half minutes remaining in the first quarter. Kramer made it 21-0 early in the second period with a 23-yard run. The 215-pound senior fullback finished with a team-high 89 yards on nine carries. After the Crimson Tide’s second fumble of the quarter, Drew Forrey raced 17 yards to cap a 62-yard drive. Sophomore Derek Macrina intercepted Tejay Allen with 70 seconds left in the first half. It took the Spartans just four plays to go 74 yards for another score. Zechman found Eisenhower over the middle for a 47-yard touchdown pass with 18 seconds on the clock. Pottsville trailed 35-0 at the break in its 130th home opener. Wyomissing started the third quarter with a perfectly executed throwback screen to Ryker Jones. The 190-pound junior sprinted 47 yards for a score. Zechman was an efficient 4-of-5 for 132 yards and 2TD. Charlie McIntyre chipped in with eight carries for 72 yards. Eisenhower added 53 yards on four runs. He also had two receptions for 70 yards. Williams truly enjoys visiting Veterans Memorial Stadium. He replied, “I love this environment. It’s like a college stadium. Their band is amazing. Their student section, I heard them chirping the whole time. It’s just a great opportunity to be able to come out here. It’s a tradition and we all embrace it at Wyomissing.” The Penn State commit is ranked #53 overall in the Class of 2023 by ESPN. Williams believes the offensive line can still improve. Longtime head coach Bob Wolfrum agrees with that observation. Williams stated, “Honestly, he’s been on us. He pays a lot of attention to our offensive line and how we run things. It’s awesome to get coached by these guys.” This is Wolfrum’s 36th season as head coach. He’s a remarkable (339-86-1). Williams is thrilled to be part of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. “I’m so happy that we’re in it. It’s an upgrade for us. We really want some competitiveness,” he emphasized. The 6’5, 295-pound senior is looking forward to meeting Berks Catholic again. The Spartans and Saints are in Section 4 along with Conrad Weiser, Cocalico, Lampeter-Strasburg, ELCO, Donegal, and Octorara. Pottsville junior running back Parrish McFarland (5’8, 160) was limited to 44 yards on 12 carries. Senior quarterback Tejay Allen went 10-of-15 for 76 yards and an interception. The Crimson Tide are (0-2). They’ve taken on two of the top squads in the state in their respective classes. Jersey Shore blew out Pottsville 55-12 in Week 1. Some young Crimson Tide fans posed for photos with Williams after the game. “It’s awesome to be able to communicate with the community. I really appreciate when they come up and ask for a picture,” he said with a smile. Wyomissing has outscored Pottsville 91-to-14 over the last two years.

Joey Schlaffer-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 01:23:00 +0000

Exeter made history in 2021 by winning its first District 3 championship and advancing to the state semifinals in Class 5A. The Eagles lost four all-state selections and their starting quarterback to graduation. If you think they’re going to take a step back this year, you haven’t spoken with PSU commit Joey Schlaffer. “I think that was one of the biggest motivators going into the season. A lot of question marks were put around our name. I think this should be a little bit of an indicator as to what’s to come,” he said. The 6’6, 215-pound senior had two touchdown grabs in a 35-0 rout of Daniel Boone. The Eagles, who return six starters on each side of the ball, get to keep the Pig Iron Trophy. This was the 64th meeting between the rivals from Reiffton and Birdsboro. Sophomore Carter Redding broke off a 34-yard run late in the first quarter. Redding finished the drive with a 1-yard score to put Exeter on the board with 58 seconds left in the opening period. Schlaffer made his first appearance at quarterback on the Eagles’ next possession. He immediately took off for 26 yards. Exeter failed to capitalize, however, as Ryan Poore hit Richie Karstien just in front of the goal line. Karstien fumbled the ball into the end zone and the Blazers recovered with 8:22 remaining in the second quarter. After a 35-yard scamper by sophomore Pharrell Caceres, the Eagles were back in business. A 10-yard shovel pass from Mason Rotelli to Schlaffer gave them a 14-0 edge midway through the quarter. One play after Exeter junior Zach Zandier missed a 37-yard field goal, senior defensive tackle Kyle Lash recovered Ethan Kryman’s fumble at the 7-yard line. Rotelli’s 1-yard run extended the Eagles’ advantage to 21-0 with 1:11 before the break. Exeter got the ball back at the Blazers’ 47-yard line with nine seconds to go until halftime. Rotelli went up top to Zandier as time expired. The 6’5, 220-pound tight end reeled it in to stun the Blazers. Schlaffer was very proud of Rotelli’s effort in his first start. “Great job, no question about it. He threw a deep bomb before half to Zandier which was freaking great. Oh my God was that great. He wasn’t afraid to stick his nose in between the lines,” he said. Rotelli went 12-of-16 for 158 yards and 3TD. He found Schlaffer over the middle for a 34-yard touchdown with 42 seconds to go in the third quarter. Schlaffer had four receptions for 53 yards and 2TD. He rumbled for 37 yards on three carries in his lone series at quarterback. He mentioned, “It felt really good. I felt like we got a lot of positive plays, linemen were doing a great job. It definitely was a confidence booster.” Schlaffer is also playing defensive end for the first time. He emphasized, “The sack was great. It felt amazing. I love defense. I love pursuing the ball.” The Eagles limited Daniel Boone to 62 yards in the first half. Things got much worse for the Blazers in the third quarter when junior quarterback Dean Rotter suffered a collarbone injury. He didn’t return to the game. Rotter was 6-of-14 for 34 yards. Senior Caden Tolosky led Daniel Boone on the ground with nine touches for 48 yards. Exeter lost a player of its own in the same period when Joey Reedy hurt his shoulder. The 6’3, 220-pound DE was taken off the field in an ambulance. Caceres chipped in with a team-high 64 yards on nine carries. The 5’9, 155-pound RB is hard to find behind an offensive line that includes Anthony Caccese at RT. The Delaware commit is 6’6 and 280 pounds. Lash and Lucas Palange are back as the starting guards. Schlaffer’s expectations haven’t changed. He said, “I don’t believe it’s any sort of drop-off. We’re just picking up right where we left off.”

Jven Williams-Wyomissing/PSU

Paul Roberts — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:51:00 +0000

The summer is a time to relax and unwind for many people. That’s not the case for Jven Williams. The 6’4, 305-pound offensive lineman continues to work out on a regular basis in preparation for his senior season at Wyomissing. Williams lifted weights before our interview on Wednesday evening. When we finished chatting, he stuck around to run laps. All of his hard work has paid off in the form of a scholarship to Penn State, but he didn’t get to this stage of his journey alone. Williams, who grew up in Reading, thanked his parents for all of the sacrifices that they have made to help him become one of the top OL in the country. ESPN ranks Williams as the #1 guard in the Class of 2023 and the 45th best player overall. We talked about his decision to commit to the Nittany Lions and his relationship with James Franklin. Williams said, “I like how family-oriented he is. When you’re talking to James Franklin, it’s kind of just like talking to a regular person.” Williams added that the location of State College was a big factor in his decision. He told me that he doesn’t have a preference between guard or tackle. He’s willing to play whichever position gets him on the field sooner. Williams has trained with Gov. Mifflin graduate Nick Singleton and Joey Schlaffer of Exeter. He thinks Singleton can have an impact at Penn State as a freshman. Schlaffer, a Class 5A all-state selection at TE, has also committed to the Nittany Lions. I asked Williams if he’ll be competing for Penn State’s Track and Field team. He earned gold medals in discus and shot put at the PIAA-2A championships this year. His throw of 66-7.75 set the state record. Williams owns the District 3 record in the discus at 187 feet. Being a multi-sport athlete is something that’s extremely important to Williams. He emphasized how the throwing events have improved his footwork and balance. The rising senior is excited for the upcoming high school football season. The Spartans certainly won’t be lacking in the size department. Williams will be joined up front by senior Pacen Ziegler (6’4, 275) and junior Caleb Brewer (6’5, 285). Brewer qualified for the state wrestling tournament as a sophomore. Williams revealed what happened when he attempted to wrestle Brewer. Wyomissing finished (15-1) last year. The Spartans fell to Central Valley in the Class 3A state championship for the second year in a row. Williams is grateful to the Class of 2022 for their leadership and guidance. That class included five all-state players. Williams stressed the importance of having an experienced coaching staff including head coach Bob Wolfrum. The “Wizard of the Wing-T” has led Wyomissing to ten District 3 titles and the 2012 state championship. Wolfrum has piled up 337 victories over 35 seasons. Williams believes the Spartans will have more competitive games in the new Lancaster-Lebanon League. They’ll be competing in Section 4 along with Berks Catholic, Conrad Weiser, Cocalico, L-S, ELCO, Donegal, and Octorara. Before the season kicks off, Williams knows that there’s more work to be done and that’s just fine with him.

Nick Singleton-PSU/Gov. Mifflin

Paul Roberts — Sat, 28 May 2022 19:19:00 +0000

James Franklin has made it clear this offseason that the Nittany Lions’ running game needs to improve. Penn State averaged 3.2 yards per carry last season. The Nittany Lions finished (7-6). Fans across the state are hoping Nick Singleton can provide a jolt to the ground attack in 2022. The former Gov. Mifflin standout was back in Berks County this weekend. The Reading Fightin Phils honored Singleton before their game in front of a packed house on Saturday evening. Singleton has received plenty of recognition over the past year. He was named the Gatorade National Offensive Player of the Year and Mr. PA Football for Class 4A-6A. The Maxwell Football Club presented Singleton with its National High School Offensive Player of the Year award. The explosive 215-pounder was ranked #57 overall in the Class of 2022 by ESPN which rated him as the third-best running back in the country. Singleton set Berks County career records with 6,326 rushing yards and 116 touchdowns. As a senior, he rumbled for 2,059 yards (12.7/carry) and scored 44 TDs. Singleton told me that his accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without his coaches, teammates, and family. We talked about what his parents have meant to him. Singleton said he looked up to Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Journey Brown. I asked how he’s fitting in with the current running backs at Penn State. Singleton mentioned that they push each other every day. Keyvone Lee, Devyn Ford, and Caziah Holmes are all returning. Lee ran for a team-high 530 yards (4.9/carry) last season. Ford was limited to 14 carries. Freshman Kaytron Allen from IMG Academy in Florida could also be in the mix. Singleton noted that his coaches have been very pleased with his effort in the weight room. They’re also happy with his work in the classroom. Singleton stressed that he has always taken care of his schoolwork first. He confirmed that he does have a name, image, or likeness (NIL) deal. Singleton emphasized that he doesn’t regret enrolling early at all. He was able to make it back for the Gov. Mifflin prom. He had fun revealing who the top dancers are in the high school. Penn State kicks off its season at Purdue on September 1st. Singleton can’t wait for the first home game. The Nittany Lions face Ohio University on September 10th at Beaver Stadium. Singleton spoke highly of Sean Clifford’s leadership skills. The senior threw for 3,107 yards last year with 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 61% of his passes. We discussed what it’s like practicing against Division I athletes, as opposed to high school players. Singleton led Gov. Mifflin to an (18-2) record over the past two seasons. The Mustangs won their first District 3 championship in 2020. Before Singleton greeted fans at FirstEnergy Stadium, I asked if he had ever played baseball before. He said he never did, but he believes he would’ve been a good hitter. I don’t think anyone who had the pleasure of watching Singleton over the last four years would doubt him.

Joey Schlaffer-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 01:05:00 +0000

The Eagles were holding onto a 31-28 lead at Gov. Mifflin with just over three minutes left in the District 3-5A championship. Exeter was facing a 4th & 4 at the Mustangs’ 38-yard line. The coaches were going to punt until Colin Payne and Joey Schlaffer convinced them to go for it. They didn’t let their coaches down. Payne hit Schlaffer for five yards and the Eagles were able to run out the clock. #7 seed Exeter earned its first District 3 title. Schlaffer had five catches for 55 yards and 2TD. The 6’6 junior told me that their team has gone through a lot of difficult moments this year. The Eagles lost to Gov. Mifflin 54-21 on October 8th. Schlaffer said they weren’t just looking to compete with the top-seeded Mustangs in the rematch; they were playing for keeps. Schlaffer called Colin Payne “a warrior.” Payne went 13-21 for 161 yards and 3TD on a very windy night. Schlaffer added that Eric Nangle has taken his game to another level in the postseason. Nangle ran for 223 yards on 40 carries against Gov. Mifflin. He had a 31-yard TD run in the fourth quarter and a 33-yard TD reception that gave Exeter a 21-7 advantage midway through the second quarter. The (10-3) Eagles finished with 399 total yards while holding the (10-1) Mustangs to 219. Schlaffer has a lot of respect for fellow Penn State commit Nick Singleton. The Gov. Mifflin star was limited to 40 yards on eight carries. Singleton did score two touchdowns including a 51-yard reception. He holds the Berks County record with 116 career touchdowns. Schlaffer got a call from PSU tight ends coach Ty Howle after the game. Exeter is going to the state semifinals for the first time!

Joey Schlaffer-Exeter

Paul Roberts — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 17:01:00 +0000

How impressed has Joey Schlaffer been with Penn State head coach James Franklin? Schlaffer told me that Franklin is “the best coach in college football.” We talked about Franklin’s new 10-year contract and the family environment in State College. Schlaffer, who committed to Penn State one month ago, was named a first-team wide receiver in Berks County. The 6’6, 210-pound junior has a team-high 36 catches and 6TD. He’s averaging nearly 19 yards per reception. Seventh-seeded Exeter travels to Shillington on Friday to take on unbeaten Gov. Mifflin in the District 3-5A championship. Schlaffer explained what it’s like competing against Nick Singleton, another PSU commit. Singleton holds the Berks County record with 6,286 career rushing yards. The Mustangs beat the Eagles 54-21 in early October. Singleton ran for 248 yards and 4TD. Schlaffer said this year’s Exeter team is built different than others. We discussed their dominant performance at #2 seed Manheim Central in the quarterfinals. The (9-3) Eagles rolled to a 43-26 victory. They took down #6 Cedar Cliff 42-35 in the semifinals. Schlaffer also revealed his favorite food on Thanksgiving. His answer will definitely surprise you!

Nick Singleton-Gov. Mifflin

Paul Roberts — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 22:42:00 +0000

The Mustangs remain undefeated with a 38-13 win over #4 seed Spring Grove in the District 3-5A semifinals. PSU commit Nick Singleton ran for 190 yards and 3TD on 20 carries. We talked about his jaw-dropping 32-yard score in the second quarter which put Gov. Mifflin up 14-7. The 218-pound senior crushed a defender at the 15-yard line! Singleton can bench press over 400 pounds and it showed on that play. The Rockets were within four points early in the third quarter after a 43-yard TD run by speedy 5’7 senior Zyree Brooks. Singleton would add TD runs of 37 and 17 yards to ice it. He gave credit to the offensive line, and said Spring Grove put up a good fight. The Rockets end up (10-2). Singleton likes what he’s seeing from Berks Catholic transfer Aiden Gallen at fullback. Gallen finished with 164 yards and a touchdown. I asked Singleton about playing linebacker which is something he enjoys. We also discussed Eden Johnson’s 37-yard TD pass to Braylon Stewart on 4th & 10 in the third quarter. Singleton is up to 6,289 career rushing yards and 114 touchdowns. Those are both Berks County records. The (10-0) Mustangs will host Exeter next Friday for the District 3-5A championship.

Jven Williams-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 16:58:00 +0000

The Spartans ran for 311 yards in a 45-7 victory over Conrad Weiser on “Senior Day” at the A-Field. Jven Williams helped (10-0) Wyomissing dominate the line of scrimmage and capture an outright Section 2 championship in the Berks Football League. The 6’4, 310-pound junior OL/DL has several Division I offers including Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech. I asked Williams if he prefers a sack or a pancake block. We discussed the keys defensively against Logan Klitsch and the Scouts’ offense which had been averaging 41 points per game. Williams talked about senior fullback Tommy Grabowski who ran for 112 yards and 3TD vs. Conrad Weiser. Williams said Grabowski is a great player and person. Plus, Williams gave me a prediction for the Penn State-Ohio State game!

Nick Singleton-Gov. Mifflin

Paul Roberts — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 23:01:00 +0000

Penn State commit Nick Singleton ran for 246 yards and 4TD in a 54-21 win at Exeter. The 218-pound senior made the most of his 20 carries in a physical Section 1 matchup. Singleton told me the Mustangs were really looking forward to playing the Eagles. Singleton gave credit to several of his teammates including Trey Rock, Nate Goodman, and Tyler Minick who returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a TD. The Mustangs are (6-0) and ranked #1 in the state in Class 5A. Singleton is up to 5,535 career rushing yards, a Berks County record. His TD runs at Exeter were from 7, 28, 43, and 64 yards. Find out the question that Singleton had a difficult time answering. Plus, you will hear about one of his favorite TV shows.

Nick Singleton-Gov. Mifflin

Paul Roberts — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:46:00 +0000

James Franklin made an appearance at Gov. Mifflin’s game vs. Harrisburg last week. Franklin arrived in Shillington in a helicopter and saw the Mustangs roll to a (49-13) win. I asked PSU commit Nick Singleton which teammate and coach would he trust the most to fly a helicopter! We also talked about the White Out against Auburn. Singleton is Berks County’s all-time rushing leader with 5,000 yards. The 218-pound senior is averaging 12 yards/carry. He told me that, “he can get a lot better.” Singleton discussed the keys to beating (3-0) Episcopal Academy on Friday. He ran for 155 yards and 3TD in the rout of Harrisburg. Singleton said he loves facing tough competition. Gov. Mifflin is the top-ranked team in the state in Class 5A.