Top players to watch in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League in 2023
Updated with stats correction for Michael Miller of Muhlenberg.
The Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 title came down to the final seconds of the final game last season, with Nate Pashley picking off a pass in the back of the end zone as Exeter turned backed Manheim Central to clinch a perfect regular season.
The Eagles have a lot of work to get back to that point: They graduated 10 first-team all-league picks, including Offensive Lineman of the Year and Linebacker of the Year Lucas Palange, Defensive Lineman of the Year Kyle Lash, Delaware recruit Anthony Caccese and Penn State recruit Joey Schlaffer.
The Barons are in much better shape, returning nine all-league picks, including Offensive Back of the Year Brycen Armold, Receiver of the Year Aaron Enterline and Defensive Back of the Year Bode Sipel.
Section 2 is the Barons’ to lose this season.
Here’s a look at the top players in Section 2 for the 2023 season.
Later this week we’ll wrap up our early look at the league with the top players in Section 1.
(Mark Palczewski/Lancasteronline.com)
Brycen Armold, Manheim Central
Barons’ tailback had a season for the ages as a junior, darting for 2,242 yards on 265 carries with 34 TDs. The yards and the TDs were both tops in the league as Armold became only the eighth player in league history (which dates to 1972) to top 2,000 yards in a season. No player has ever done it twice.
Was named Section 2’s Outstanding Back, Lions Club Section 2 MVP and All-State.
Hits the hole with authority, has excellent vision and breakaway speed.
Tucker Bellanca, Muhlenberg
Three-year starter brings strength, toughness, and intelligence to both sides of the line.
The 6-foot, 215-pounder earned an 85 percent blocking grade as a junior at center and was named an all-league second-team pick. On defense, had 21 tackles and three sacks.
Has not missed a game since his freshman season.
Aaron Enterline, Manheim Central
One of the league’s most athletic players was a first-team all-league pick at wide receiver and kick returner and the Section 2 Receiver of the Year after catching 42 passes for 994 yards and 12 TDs.
At 6-3, he can out-jump opponents and get to the ball whether on offense, where he averaged 23.7 yards per catch, or defense, where he intercepted team-high three passes as a defensive back.
Followed up with a breakout basketball season, helping the Barons reach the District 3 Class 5A championship game
Getting FCS and PSAC looks for football.
Trevor Evans, Warwick
After earning all-league honors at defensive back the past two seasons and seeing time at wide receiver Evans adds quarterback to his duty list this season.
The 6-3, 188-pound rising senior was stuck behind all-league QB Jack Reed last season; now it’s his turn to lead the Warriors’ offense.
He had 53 tackles and a pair of interceptions from his spot at strong safety as a junior. Also saw plenty of action at wide receiver.
Zac Hahn, Manheim Central
Strong-armed passer excelled in his first full season, clicking on 132-of-220 passes for 2,210 yards with a league-best 29 TDs as he quarterbacked Barons to District 3 Class 4A championship game.
The 6-foot, 195-pound junior was a second-team all-league pick at QB and a first-team pick at punter after averaging 36.4 yards, with nine punts downed inside the 20.
Picked up PA Football News All-State quarterback honors.
Getting looks from scholarship schools for his QB play.
Xander Kolk, Manheim Central
Will be counted on as the backbone of the defensive unit after the Barons graduated four all-league players on that side of the ball.
Undersized defensive end (5-10, 175) recorded 62 tackles, tops among returning players, with four sacks and team-high four fumble recoveries.
Snapped second-team all-league honors as junior.
Michael Miller, Muhlenberg
Emerged last season as one of the league’s most dynamic freshmen, making an impact in all three phases of the game. Show off his speed and moves on an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Intercepted three passes, had five sacks and five tackles for loss as a linebacker. Averaged 7.5 yards per carry in limited backfield time. The athletic 6-1, 175-pounder will play a much bigger role this season.
Nate Pashley, Exeter
Made game-saving interception in the end zone at Manheim Central to clinch Eagles’ perfect season and the Section 2 title as a junior.
The 6-1, 185-pound rising senior made big plays on defense and special teams throughout the season. He was a lock-down pass defender who used his speed and instincts to get to the ball in the run game.
Pashley was an all-league first-team pick at DB and a second-team pick as a kick return after averaging15.9 yards on punt returns and 26.1 on kickoffs. Also handled punting duties.
Bode Sipel, Manheim Central
Multi-talented rising senior earned all-league honors at three positions last season.
He was tabbed Section 2 Defensive Back of the Year after making 53 tackles and intercepting two passes.
Named first-team wide receiver after making 42 catches for 630 yards with seven TDs, averaging 15.0 per reception.
Was a second-team pick at long snapper.
Getting FCS and PSAC looks for football.
Soren Stoltzfus, Conestoga Valley
Burly 6-2, 285-pound people-mover was an absolute force in the trenches as a junior, earning first-team all-league honors at offensive tackle and second-team honors at defensive tackle.
Stoltzfus helped the Bucks’ rushing attack crank out nearly 190 yards a game and filled plenty of gaps in the D-line with 21 tackles and a sack.
Kabine Toure, Gov. Mifflin
Could be poised for breakout season after tremendous offseason in the weight room helped the 6-4, 240-pound rising senior attract PSAC interest.
Physical edge rusher will spark Mustangs defense from end spot. He’ll bring the same strength and athleticism to the offensive side where he’ll set the edge for the Veer running attack from his spot at tight end.
Zack Zandier, Exeter
Another in a long line of Division I prospects out of Reiffton. Moved into starting role at tight end last season, freeing up Joey Schlaffer to play WR and QB and provided both a sure-handed target and a blocking force on the edge who sprung several big-gainers.
The 6-5 rising senior added 35 pounds in the offseason and pulled in 25 scholarship offers before committing to Coastal Carolina.
Averaged 16.7 yards on his 22 receptions and earned all-league first-team honors. He’ll also start at DE this season.
Others to watch
- Derrick Briddell, LB, Lebanon
- Pharrell Caceres, RB-DB, Exeter
- Sonny Callihan, WR-DB, Manheim Central
- Wes Clemison, TE-LB, Muhlenberg
- Tyler Groff, OT-DT, Manheim Central
- Reese Hohl, RB-DB, Gov. Mifflin
- Kyle Jankowski, WR-DB, Conestoga Valley
- Thomas Jeanes, WR-DE, Warwick
- Jayden Johnson, WR-DB, Conestoga Valley
- Brandon Jones, RB-LB, Gov. Mifflin
- Gavin Kelly, C-DT, Gov. Mifflin
- Andrew McClune, RB-LB, Warwick
- Ryan McConnell, OL-DL, Exeter
- Nigel Meekins, WR-DB, Exeter
- Presley Rinker, G/DT, Gov. Mifflin
- Mahkel Tate, ILB, Warwick
- Josiah Wright, G-DE, Lebanon
- Bryce Wunderlich, QB-DB, Gov. Mifflin
- Jayden Zandier, RB-DB, Exeter
Others stories in this series:
Top players to watch in Section 1
Top players to watch in Section 3
