All systems working as Solanco knocks out Manheim Central
2025 Berks football coverage presented by
Utilities Employees Credit Union
(This story was produced by LNP/Lancasteronline, and published in partnership with MikeDragoSports.com.)
By Jason Guarente — LNP/Lancasteronline
MANHEIM — A.J. Haag is the one who breaks Solanco’s postgame huddle. The lineman says a few words that don’t make much sense to an outsider.
| Final | |
| Solanco | 42 |
| Manheim | 6 |
Four to six. A to B. Speed to power. Power to speed. Then everyone cheers.
Those terms are a science to the Golden Mules, a sequence of phrases that provide their blueprint for success.
Each play lasts four to six seconds. Each movement gets them from Point A to Point B. They use speed in the open field and power when it’s time to hit.
Solanco knocked off Manheim Central four to six seconds at a time Friday night. The Golden Mules struck early and often as they posted a 42-6 win in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 football at Rettew Stadium.
A rivalry that has been lopsided against Solanco for much of its history has recently turned in the Golden Mules’ favor. These teams have met 65 times. This is only the seventh time Solanco has prevailed. Three of those wins have come in the past four years.
Solanco (3-0, 6-1) knows this fall can be special. The roster is loaded with a rare combination of talent and experience.
“It’s a blast,” quarterback Chase Sensenig said. “It’s great knowing I’ve got a great group of guys behind me. They’re always doing their best for me. I’m always doing my best for them.”
On Solanco’s second play from scrimmage, Kris Burgos rushed 70 yards for a touchdown. On its seventh play, Burgos rushed 40 yards for another score. The second time Central tried to pass, Wesley Bard intercepted and ran 24 yards into the end zone.
That’s how quickly it unraveled for Central (2-1, 4-3). Solanco was ahead 21-0 less than 10 minutes into the first quarter.
Sensenig orchestrates one of the L-L’s most potent offenses, The 5-11, 170-pound junior helps make the triple-option flourish.
Some of the time it’s simple. Just hand the ball to fullback Johnny Garcia and let him plow between the tackles. Other times Sensenig flips it to Burgos, who’s averaging more than 15 yards per carry. Or No. 14 will elect to keep it for himself.
There’s no question Sensenig is in charge once the ball is snapped.
“He brings leadership,” Burgos said. “He likes to talk a lot. He’s very vocal. If we’re having a down practice, he’s always speaking up. He’s always there for us.”
Sensenig has been the QB since many in this group came together, It goes back to the D team days when these young men were still boys.
Last season, Sensenig spent some time at wide receiver. He was quick to point out he was “always a quarterback at heart.”
“This year,” he said, “I knew I had the keys to the car.”
This isn’t a Honda Civic he’s driving. It’s a Ferrari.
In addition to the three running threats, along with occasional carries by Andersen Miller, there’s a formidable offensive line. Haag and Tyler Kreider are the tackles. Desmond Ferguson and Noah Gote are the guards. Evan Bennethum is at center.
“We’ve got some big guys up front,” Sensenig said. “They always do their best and I love them for it.”
The linemen realize every play has a chance to produce six points. Solanco has scored at least 35 points in each game.
| SECTION 3 | League | Overall |
| Solanco | 3-0 | 6-1 |
| Man. Central | 2-1 | 4-3 |
| Warwick | 2-1 | 5-1 |
| Garden Spot | 2-2 | 3-4 |
| Cocalico | 1-2 | 2-5 |
| Con. Weiser | 1-3 | 4-3 |
| Fleetwood | 0-2 | 2-4 |
Garcia had touchdown runs of 12 and 39 yards against Central. Sensenig scored from 13 yards. Sensenig’s decision making is as reliable as the weapons at his disposal.
“It makes it worth it,” Kreider said. “You know when you’re blocking, something is gonna happen out of it. It’s really nice.”
Solanco is in the driver’s seat in Section 3 with wins over Warwick, Central and Conrad Weiser. A tough matchup with Cocalico awaits in Week 8. The Golden Mules will be a dangerous opponent in District 3 Class 5A.
Speed to power. Power to speed. No matter which order the words are in, Solanco has both.
During the halftime break, with Central trailing 35-0, someone in the press box asked, “When was the last time we got Mercy-Ruled at home?”
It doesn’t happen to the Barons often. Then again, it’s not often Solanco has a team like this one.
