Blue Streaks had no doubt they would hold off Bulldogs
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
Almost everyone on Manheim Township’s sideline was doing the same thing. One look at the clock. One look at the line of scrimmage.
Wilson’s drive seemed to last forever and there were moments when its destination seemed undeniable.
None of the Blue Streaks felt that way. No matter how much ground they surrendered and how much time slipped away, they expected to get a stop.
“There was no doubt in my mind we were going to become victorious in this game,” senior Will Milazzo said. “I have no doubt in my team. They have my back and I have theirs.”
On the 16th play, 7:13 after it started, Luke Wagner ended the drive with an interception. Township held off Wilson 20-14 in a Lancaster-Lebanon League football thriller at Gurski Stadium Friday night.
Township (6-0, 9-1) clinched the Section 1 championship against the opponent that took that title away last season.
In the adrenaline-filled postgame huddle, coach Mark Evans reminded his players of the resiliency they’ve shown and the identity they’ve forged. They like to call themselves unbreakable and they’ve lived up to it.
“These guys have exceeded expectations at every turn,” Evans said. “They’ve built on adversity and not playing their best. They’re a class that seized their opportunity. They seized the day.”
Wilson (5-1, 8-2) was on the verge of taking it all away. The Bulldogs, trailing by six, marched from their own 9-yard line to Township’s 9-yard line. Eighty-two yards were behind them with only a handful to go.
Township forced a fumble that turned into a big loss and benefited from a penalty that put Wilson in third-and-forever. The Bulldogs went from being on the cusp of the end zone to being desperate.
Quarterback Mason Young danced in the pocket and searched for the big play that could save the home team. The senior settled for a pass across the middle and Wagner was there waiting.
“It’s surreal,” Wagner said. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
Township never trailed. It built a 10-0 lead in the second quarter on quarterback Jack Kenneff’s 10-yard run and Rowen Crispeno’s 31-yard field goal.
Wilson managed to get within three points twice. The Bulldogs never managed to pull even.
Township maintained its lead on Dehyvn Lauano’s three-yard TD reception and Crispeno’s second field goal, a clutch 38-yarder near the end of the third quarter.
Prior to the Blue Streaks’ final TD, Daryus Dixon made a remarkable 32-yard catch near the goal line. It was a stop-and-go pattern that Wilson covered perfectly. Dixon jumped and turned a possible interception into a big gain.
“My quarterback allowed me to be an athlete,” said Dixon, who caught eight passes for 111 yards. “He put trust in me. I appreciate that 100 percent.”
Township intercepted three passes and recovered a fumble. The last turnover was a pick by Allan Feliciano on a Hail Mary as time expired. He slid to the turf and the Blue Streaks celebrated.
“No matter what happens, no matter what hits us, no matter the adversity we face, it’s always about staying together,” four-year starter Taylor Veilleux said. “And not breaking down.”
Evans said something clicked with his team in the second half of Week 7 against Cedar Crest. The Blue Streaks, who haven’t lost since Week 2, found themselves.
Township vs. Wilson has become the only game that matters in Section One. This is the third consecutive year the powerhouses have alternated who gets to hold a banner after Week 10.
Township in 2023. Wilson in 2024. Township Friday.
Milazzo was the first player to take his place in front of the band after the win was secured. The senior hugged Jake Ruch when he arrived and waited for the rest of the players to join them.
The fight song played. It never sounded better.
“As a senior, you hear it year after year and game after game,” Wagner said. “We’re approaching our last games. I’m just taking it in. There’s no other word for it. Just feel the moment.”
Township’s players bent a few times over the course of four high-stakes quarters. They didn’t break.
