Cocalico warms up for Wyo with route of Elco
2023 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
MYERSTOWN — Aaryn Longenecker only touched the football six times. If it seemed like more, that’s because of what he did with it.
No one gets a better bang for his buck than Cocalico’s slot back. Every chance has the potential to become a touchdown.
Two of them did Friday night. A 52-yard interception return and a 94-yard run.
Longenecker turned those six touches into 232 all-purpose yards. Cocalico turned a showdown against Elco into a 56-7 romp in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4.
“You never know when he’s gonna break one loose,” lineman Adam Laudenslager said. “He has the best vision out of anybody. It doesn’t matter who you are. He’ll shake you out of your shoes.”
Longenecker’s other three carries went for 31, 16 and 15 yards. The senior’s one punt return was 24 yards.
Somewhere around middle school Longenecker found his niche in Cocalico’s veer offense. He became what he called the “elusive guy.” That’s the one who lines up on the outside and is given the ball in open space.
Cocalico wants Longenecker to have as much green in front of him as possible. The more room he has to maneuver, the harder he is to bring down.
Although he’s fast, he said he runs a 4.66 40, it’s not just speed. It’s stiff arms, cuts and jukes.
“I joke around that I’m glad I taught him all those moves,” Cocalico coach Bryan Strohl said. “There are some kids who just have it naturally. When you’ve got that to work with, it certainly makes things easier. He’s a weapon for us.”
Cocalico was ahead 28-0 at the end of the first quarter. Elco’s first five possessions resulted in a three-and-out, three turnovers and a blocked punt.
Longenecker intercepted a pass over the middle. Thomas Dattoli picked off a screen. Bryce Nash fell on a fumble. Dane Bollinger blocked the kick.
Elco running back Jake Williams entered as the league’s top rusher with 1,274 yards. The senior had 133 yards against Wyomissing last week. He’s run on everyone. Except Cocalico.
Williams finished with 50 yards on 17 carries. Elco (1-2 L-L, 4-2 overall) didn’t move the ball past midfield until midway through the second quarter.
“Their line coach walked up to me and said we got them good,” Laudenslager said. “We were just more physical. We kicked their butts. It was nice to hear that.”
Quarterback Josh Myer rushed for a 27-yard touchdown on Cocalico’s first play. Sam Steffey had three rushing TDs before halftime.
One reason Longenecker has so much room to roam is Steffey is such a force as the fullback between the tackles. The line overpowers opponents off the snap and Steffey powers through.
“Our offense fits perfectly with the guys we have,” Longenecker said. “I don’t get the ball that much. I gotta make the most of it. I run as hard as I can.”
Cocalico (2-0, 5-1) has won five consecutive games, all by at least 14 points, heading into a first-place tussle against Wyomissing at Denver next week.
Longenecker is averaging 17.5 yards per carry on his rushes. Six of them have finished in the end zone.
“He spoils us,” Strohl said. “That’s not the norm. As much as you can talk scheme, sometimes it comes down to the Jimmies and Joes you have rather than the X’s and O’s.”
Sometimes it’s a guy named Aaryn shaking you out of your shoes.
