Coach Weider’s @Go_Rout Coaches Notebook: LL Media Day Part II

Tagged under: Coaches Corner, District 3, News

Pat Weider | August 2, 2021

A few more news and notes from LL Media Day.

Cedar Bowl Returns in 2021
Last year because of Covid-19 Cedar Crest and Lebanon did not renew their annual rivalry. This year week one they will kick off the season playing each other. Cedar Crest is on an 8 game win streak in the series.  “The Rivalry Means more than it everything because we missed an entire year”. Pedro DeArce RB/LB of Lebanon “The whole city the game means a lot to them. It will be a good environment and it is bragging rights”. Cedar Crest is coming off a 2-5 year but returns several key players. Lebanon is coming off a 3-3 year but lost 24 Seniors off last year’s squad. Head Coach Frank Isenberg is returning for his second year as head coach and feels at home. Isenberg “Coming back to Lebanon to where I teach was a big deal. The rapport with the kids is so big”. Coach Isenberg will get a chance to start off his career with a win in his first Cedar Bowl as Head Coach this year. 

A team on the rise
Last year was a down year for Manheim Central. They had their 1st losing season since 1974. Everyone in Manheim is focused on this year and having a successful year. Judd Novak QB “It’s just been a whole lot better. We have been able to practice more and interact with our teammates more.”. Head Coach Dave Hahn on last year “You couldn’t get your normal routine. We had great kids, and you lose the time you pay the price. We are not happy about where we were last year”. The Manheim Central schedule is very difficult. They open up against Cumberland Valley and then play later in the year against Manheim Township in a crossover match-up and also play in the competitive Section 2 of Lancaster-Lebanon League. I would still expect a strong season from Manheim Central this year.

Football has 4 downs, so here are 4 thoughts from LL Media Day:
1) Section One is wide open- I think Manheim Township, Wilson, and possibly Hempfield have a chance to all compete and win Section One. Also, don’t count out Cedar Crest and Penn Manor. J.P. McCaskey should also be improved this year.
2) Section 2 a return of Central/Cocalico- Manheim Central and Cocalico both had down years last year. Expect both to be back at the top of the standings this year. Cocalico returns a lot and has a South Carolina commit Ryan Brubaker back at Offensive Tackle.
3) Section 3 is wide Open- Last year’s section 3 winner was Lampeter Strasburg and they lost most of their Senior laden team from last year. I expect a wide-open section with Lancaster Catholic, Donegal, and Ephrata to all be improved this year.
4) Section 4 Columbia is on the rise but watch for Elco to repeat- Last year Columbia had a solid season with a 4-4 season. Coach Kyle is returning a bunch of starters including QB Robert Footman who had a good season. Elco returns after winning a Playoff game. I also expect Octorara, and Anneville-Cleona to be in the mix as well.

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