The Wyomissing football program is respected from Philly’s Roman Catholic High to Erie Cathedral Prep.
One reason for the statewide admiration is because the Spartans are not afraid to play anyone.
Witness last week’s opener against Southern Columbia, a state powerhouse at the 2A level and a big name across the Keystone State.
The Spartans had a convincing win against the Tigers and now have another ‘big’ game in Week 2 when they travel Friday for a 2 p.m. contest against the Haverford School.
And by big, I mean Big.
The Fords, who are not in the PIAA, boast two of the top linemen in the state in tackle Josh Williams and center Thomas Barr.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Williams is ranked No. 1 among senior linemen in the state by ESPN.com and No. 2 by Rivals.com and 247.com. He committed to Stanford.
The 6-4, 300-pound Barr is No. 4 in the state, according to ESPN and ranked No. 5 by Rivals and 247. Barr will play at West Virginia.
The Fords have had Power 5 linemen in the past, according to head coach Brian Martin, most recently 2019 grad Asim Richards, who is in his second season with the Dallas Cowboys. But he can’t remember ever having two and he’s been with the program for 20 years, the last five as a head man.
“It’s something special,” Martin said.
But something tells me the Spartans aren’t afraid of anyone. Expect another smash-mouth game but unlike last week, I don’t expect the Spartans to dominate. But I do expect them to win, in what could be one of the best games of the season. Wyomissing 28-21.
Conrad Weiser at ELCO (or is it Elco?) – I’ve seen it both ways and not sure which way it should be. Put it this way, an all-cap Elco team will have to show up Thursday night to beat the Scouts. Conrad Weiser 35-14.
Daniel Boone at Schuylkill Valley – The other Thursday night game this week. Schuylkill Valley was going to be a tough one for the Blazers, but after getting beat last week by Muhlenberg, the Panthers are craving red meat. Schuylkill Valley 49-14.
Muhlenberg at Reading – I haven’t slept in two nights because of this game. Reading High has won two straight against the Muhls, but the Muhls looked like a whole new team last week in beating Schuylkill Valley. Will they have a letdown? Will the Red Knights take it to their arch rivals? … Will …, I’m driving myself nuts. Rob Flowers keeps the magic going for the Muhls, but it will be another thriller. Muhlenberg 35-28.
Plymouth Whitemarsh at Wilson – In sports parlance, they call this a trap game. The Bulldogs play highly regarded Nazareth next week and can’t get caught looking ahead. They won’t. Wilson 35-21.
Gov. Mifflin at Perkiomen Valley – In their second battle against a Valley, Perkiomen is better than Pleasant. Perkiomen Valley 28-14.
Boyertown at Exeter – Boyertown is rebuilding, but the Eagles certainly are not. Another blowout for the Eagles. Exeter 42-14.
Fleetwood at Upper Perkiomen – Toss up game. Fleetwood 35-28.
Selinsgrove at Twin Valley – Here’s a matchup that will attract some attention on the eastern half of the state. The high-flying Raiders are one of the top teams in 4A in the state, but the Seals are in the same class and got to the state semifinals a year ago. Here’s 10 words that are going to be a problem for the Seals: Evan, Myers, Drew, Engle, Evan, Johnson, Ben, Grundy, Matthew, and Knight. Twin Valley 42-28.
Berks Catholic at Executive Education Academy – This one will heal some of the pain of last week’s loss to Twin Valley. Berks Catholic 35-21.
Hamburg at Midd-West – Another game that will heal a team’s wounds. Hamburg 42-7.
Kutztown at York County Tech – Fun ride home. Only question is: What will be the celebration song on the bus? Kutztown 42-14.
Terry Toohey of the Delaware County Times contributed to this column
Source: Berkshire mont