With talented returning players and a strong emphasis on the fundamentals, the Exeter football team has certainly put in the work this offseason to remain a contender in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon Football League.
“To win the first game in front of us; we take everything week by week,” Eagles senor wide receiver Carter Redding said. “So whether that’s practice or games, no matter what we do, I think everything’s just on a one week basis. We make sure the goals for the week are complete and then when that’s done, we go on to next week.
“Just one step at a time.”
While it may be taking things as they come, Exeter certainly has reason to look ahead.
The Eagles return All-Berks Offensive Back of the Year Jayden Zandier, who ran for 1,358 yards and 15 touchdowns on 127 carries and had seven catches for 163 yards and three touchdowns.
Zandier was also named as the All-Berks Kick Returner of the Year after returning 13 kicks for 371 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown.
Though he may be one of the most explosive players in Exeter’s offensive arsenal, Zandier said he believes that maintaining a collective mentality where everyone shines will be vital.
“We have to keep ourselves disciplined and focus on the next play,” Zandier said. “If anyone makes a mistake, we pick each other up.”
In addition to Zandier, several other All-Berks returners help compose a strong unit on the defensive side for the Eagles.
Aidan Dauble, an All-Berks selection at linebacker had 60 total tackles (22 solo), three quarterback hurries, one sack, one interception and two fumble recoveries last year in the regular season.
Dauble, a junior, said he believes Exeter’s greatest strength on defense is in its ability to stop the run. The Eagles (4-2 Section 2, 8-3 overall) gave up 197 points in 2023 while scoring 396, and allowed the second fewest rushing yards in Berks with an average of 112.5 given up per week.
“I definitely would say our strength is in our run stopping,” Dauble said. “We have a great defensive line and are running different defenses. We will be good against the pass as well.”
All-Berks defensive lineman Logan Wegman, who had 47 total tackles, including 10 for losses and 3.5 sacks in the 2023 regular season, is back and provides significant size on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Wegman, a 6-4, 275-pound senior offensive tackle and defensive end, has already made his commitment to play football at the Naval Academy after graduation.
His play, as well as the performances of the rest of the returners up front, will be something to watch for, as Exeter graduated All-Berks center Matt McConnell and All-Berks second team guard Ryan McConnell, who helped anchor the lines for the past few seasons.
“I see a lot of people refer to the line as the engine of the team,” Wegman said. “Especially with the running backs (we have) being able to give them the ball and block is perfect for us.”
At quarterback, junior Riley Martinez is back after a full year behind center.
Martinez threw 17 passing touchdowns and accumulated 1,651 total yards (1,397 passing) during his sophomore campaign.
Though Martinez will be without his favorite target from a year ago, All-Berks tight end Zach Zandier, who had 21 catches for 318 yards and three touchdowns and also had an 88% blocking grade, Redding said he believes the offense is dynamic enough to create substantial production.
Redding had 20 receptions for 381 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2023. Genuine Stutzman, a senior at tight end and linebacker standing at 6-3, 225 pounds, will look to fill the hole at tight end.
“We’ll have Riley back at quarterback and he’ll be more mature with another year under his belt,” Redding said “I think he’s gonna improve a lot, but also we have speed all over the field. We have guys who can take the ball wherever they want, whenever they want.
“So it’s really just a matter of who gets the ball, where they get the ball and then who’s scoring because, you know, the defense is great, but you can’t win games if you can’t score. So whether it’s Jaden running the ball, or me, one of the tight ends like Genuine Stutzman catching the ball, for me, if we score we win. That’s all that matters.”
The depth on the Eagles’ roster may prove to be the most important factor in Exeter’s success.
The Eagles open their season on the road at Daniel Boone and begin league play in Section 2 on Sept. 13 at Gov. Mifflin. Last year, Exeter saw its 20-game, and program-record regular season winning streak snapped with a 34-27 loss against Conestoga Valley in Week 9, before losing its next two games, including a 28-27 loss against Hershey in the District 3 Class 5A first round.
“Offensively and defensively, we have guys that don’t get mentioned but are making plays in practice and making plays in games,” Redding said. “Pharrell Caceres (senior running back and cornerback), is gonna have a lot of big games. Casey Gerhart (senior linebacker) is going to fill the middle and he tells me the entire defensive line and linebackers where they need to be when they need to be. Jayden Ware (junior) is playing receiver.
“These are guys that many people might not know, but when it comes to a Friday night, they might not score a 90 yard touchdown, but they’re gonna be guys that are making key catches and key tackles when we need it. So in my opinion, it’s gonna be super important.”
A look at the Eagles
Coach: Matt Bauer, 16th season, 113-55.
Last year: 4-2 Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2, 8-3
PIAA classification: 5A.
Schedule: Aug. 23, at Daniel Boone; Aug. 30, Boyertown; Sept. 6, Pleasant Valley; Sept 13. At Gov. Mifflin; Sept. 20, at Lebanon; Sept. 27, Ephrata; Oct. 4, Muhlenberg; Oct. 11, Hempfield; Oct. 18, Conestoga Valley; Oct. 25 at Elizabethtown.
Source: Berkshire mont
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