Defense, run game decisive in Solanco’s big win over Warwick
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
| Final | |
| Solanco | 35 |
| Warwick | 7 |
QUARRYVILLE — Frank Lucarino left the field with a championship belt draped over his right shoulder. The image summed up Solanco’s night.
Lucarino was given that award for being his team’s defensive MVP last week. It’s going to be difficult to decide who gets to carry it next week.
Solanco turned its football showdown against Warwick into a 35-7 romp at Quarryville Friday. Although the Golden Mules didn’t clinch a championship, they took a giant step in that direction in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
These are two of the best teams in the section. They were picked to finish 1-2 in the standings. Solanco stated its case to be No. 1.
“It feels amazing,” quarterback Chase Sensenig said. “The team chemistry was through the roof. High energy. High intensity. Everyone did their job and it all came out well for us.”
Much of the talk about Solanco surrounds its explosive triple-option offense. That’s understandable. Fullback Johnny Garcia and split end Kris Burgos are a handful for opponents.
This was a showcase for Solanco’s defense. For guys like Lucarino. The 6-3, 275-pound linemen is a mountain of a man. He was proud to hold that belt.
“It means teamwork,” Lucarino said. “It means family. We have a big family here and I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Lucarino made his loudest play early in the third quarter. The senior blocked a punt and watched Kali Hines recover it in the end zone.
No. 71 stood with his arms extended toward the sky as his team celebrated. The special teams breakthrough made it 28-0 and removed any lingering doubt about the outcome.
Lucarino called it one of his “top moments” of the season. At least so far.
“He’s a great teammate,” Sensenig said. “He does his job on and off the field. He’s a really good player and I respect him a lot.”
Solanco (3-1) picks a character captain each week and that player leads everyone onto the field while flying the school’s flag. Wesley Bard was given the honor this week.
Bard then delivered the game’s first key defensive play when he intercepted a pass by Thomas Myers to stop Warwick’s opening drive.
Solanco had three interceptions. The others came from Burgos and Gabe Forren.
“Today was a day our team really locked in,” Lucarino said. “I’m super proud of them. I’m super proud of the guys behind me and the guys beside me. I trust them with my life. Our defense, we’re gonna go places.”
Warwick (3-1) turned to backup quarterback Colin McGaw after Myers suffered an injury in the first quarter. The game was already slipping away from the Warriors by then.
Solanco took control with touchdowns on its first two possessions. Colin Toaltoan caught a 26-yard pass from Sensenig and Burgos ran in from 17 yards in the first quarter. Burgos’ second score, a 1-yard run, made it 21-0 at halftime.
This matchup seemed to hinge on Solanco’s ground game trying to overcome Warwick’s staunch front seven. The Golden Mules rushed for 273 yards and had 18 first downs.
Garcia led the way with 126 yards. Burgos added 73. Sensenig had the Mules’ final touchdown, a 12-yard scramble in the third quarter.
As Sensenig answered questions about Solanco’s triumph, teammate Isaiah Wright walked past and said, “Best QB in the league.”
Sensenig responded, “I have the best o-line in the league.”
It was a sign of the times in Quarryville. There’s plenty of credit to go around.
“It’s a big win,” coach Tony Cox said. “Warwick is very good. They’ve had a lot of success. Their defense is very hard to run against. I told the kids it was gonna be a battle. It was gonna be a fight out there.”
Solanco won the fight and walked off with the belt.
