Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week: Anthony Caccese of Exeter

By Mike Drago Last updated Jun 20, 2022

Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week

Exeter’s lineup is dotted with Division I recruits at linebacker, in the backfield and at receiver but ask Eagles coach Matt Bauer what makes his team go and he always starts with the offensive line.

That’s the engine that has driven them to the District 3 Class 5A championship game and that has sparked Eric Nangle’s assault on the program record book.

When they needed big yards Friday in a 42-35 win at Cedar Cliff they put the ball in Nangle’s hands and often sent him over the right side, behind big tackle Anthony Caccese. The 6-6, 205-pound junior was credited with three pancake blocks and earned an 85 percent blocking grade. He also earned Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week honors, as well.

“Anthony has steadily improved each week,” said Bauer. “In addition to being very technically sound with his technique, Anthony has developed a mean streak with a knack for finishing blocks. It is truly remarkable, the progress he has made.”

Caccese, a second-year starter, earned first-team honors on the Berks Football League Section 1 all-league team. He was a second-team pick last year.

Nangle ran for a program-record 332 yards against Cedar Cliff one week after running for 230 yards against Manheim Central. He appreciates working behind an offensive line that includes three first-team all-league picks, including center Kyle Helm and guard Lucas Palange.

“Beasts,” he called them after last week’s game. “They all put their bodies out there. They played amazing today.”

The Eagles are averaging 40.4 points per game, on pace for a program record. Their best scoring average for a full season is 36.5, in 2015.

Caccese is the Eagles’ fourth Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week pick this season, and their sixth Player of the Week selection. Lucas Palange has been named Lineman of the Week twice; Kyle Lash was selected last week. Sam Orzolek was selected as Defensive Player of the Week and Eric Nangle as Offensive Player of the Week.

Also nominated for Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week:

Owen Reber, G, Berks Catholic
Kyle Helm, C, Exeter
Kyle Lash, G, Exeter
Daxsen Washington, DT, Gov. Mifflin
Mykell Ford, DT, Gov. Mifflin
Jon Ramsey, DT, Wilson
Nick Weitzel, DE, Wilson
Ja-mhi Jackson, DE, Wyomissing
Jven Williams, G/T, Wyomissing

Selected for Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week earlier this season:

Week 1: Tyler Hallock, T, Kutztown
Week 2: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
Week 3: Colin Leahy, T, Daniel Boone
Week 4: Josh Pazdrick, TE, Conrad Weiser
Week 5: Nate Goodman, Gov. Mifflin
Week 6: Jven Williams, Wyomissing
Week 7: Kyle Pry, Boyertown
Week 8: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
Week 9: Jon Ramsey, G, Wilson
Week 10: Jack Durning, C, Wilson
Week 11: Dominic Memmo, DT, Wilson
Week 12: Kyle Lash, T, Exeter