PIAA Class 5A Semi-Final Preview: A Look at Cocalico

Tagged under: District 3, News, pfn, Playoffs

Billy Splain | November 30, 2023

Cocalico (12-1) @ Peters Township (14-0) @ Mansion Park (Altoona) – 7:00 pm

How they got here (click to see 5A Bracket)

2023 SCHEDULE

Except for that week one loss to Warwick, the Eagles have been flying high. But they don’t fly through the air. Coach Bryan Strohl’s team flies on the ground. One has to look no further than the quarterback stats. They have a grand total of 335 passing yards. And except for that Warwick loss, they’ve flown right past all opponents. Last week they took care of business and ended Ephrata’s Cinderella season. This week, they’ll be tested by a very good Peters Township team.

Keys on Offense:

Do what they do. Aaryn Longenecker, Sam Steffey, Josh Myer’s and Dane Horning have combined for nearly 4,000 yards on the ground and 54 trips to the paint. Long drives will help keep an explosive Peter’s offense off the field. It’s really that simple for Cocalico’s offense.

Keys on Defense:

Linebacker Dane Bollinger leads the team with 124 tackles. Horning, Longenecker, Steffey and Tim Porter are also among the leaders on defense. Keeping them out of field goal range is another important factor. The Indians have a kicker that can put points on the board.

Coach Strohl says: 

On their playoff run: Last season we went on a late playoff run and it was realistically unexpected. Our kids grew up much faster than we thought they would. Our run this year kinda started back then. Our first game, Warwick, we were over confident. Luckily they responded great”.

When did they know they had a shot at a long season? “The Manheim game was huge for confidence. This year we moved consistently on them and our defense, we were able to contain them. They are so explosive. That’s when they saw.

This years run: “Ephrata is our neighbor and we hadn’t played them in a while. There were a ton of emotions. We turned over three times, some uncharacteristic penalties.  On the Eagle defense: “Our defense has been awesome this year”.

How does the Eagle offense do it? “It starts up front. You can draw plays but if you don’t have kids that can run our type of offense you wont’ have success.  We’ve gotten movement up front because of them and that gives our fullback space. You can’t commit to one player as a defense.  Good blocking is a key. In most offenses wider receivers are pass catchers but our guys take great pride in creating space on the perimeter

On to Peters Township: “Peters township, their defense is fast and physical. They’re relentless. They can run and they can throw. They’re a headache for sure. We have to control the ball and if we can pressure their qb and put him in situations he isn’t comfortable with that will help. Prevent the big play. We have to control the line”.

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