Four Downs: Four big takes from Week 8
2023 Berks football coverage presented by
Utilities Employees Credit Union
Four biggest takeaways from Week 8 of the 2023 high school football season:
1ST DOWN
Some did a double-take when they saw that Twin Valley lost to Ephrata by three touchdowns Friday night.
There’s more there than meets the eye, of course. First you have to realize the Raiders were essentially playing without two of their best players, Drew Engle and Evan Johnson. They share the tailback spot, are key pieces in the secondary and return kicks. They have scored half the team’s touchdowns. The Raiders don’t come anywhere close to 7-0 without them.
Each got in briefly in the opening quarter but it was apparent they weren’t 100 percent and Raiders coach Brett Myers quickly got them back on the sideline. He knows there are more battles to be fought, and bigger ones with the district playoffs just a couple weeks away.
Twin Valley is still in strong position there. Despite the loss it remains No. 2 in the District 3 Class 4A power ratings and in line for an opening-round bye and quarterfinal home game.
The other thing to keep in mind about Twin Valley’s 52-33 loss is the team on the other sideline: Ephrata.
The Mountaineers are a very good football team. They’re also 7-1 and in position for a playoff run in Class 5A. They feature one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Sam McCracken, one of the league’s best receivers in Jeremiah Knowles and have one of the few teams in the Lancaster-Lebanon League with the physicality to play with Twin Valley.
2ND DOWN
There’s something to be said about having a dream and following it to the end of the rainbow.
Bob Wolfrum’s been doing that.
He remembers tagging along with his dad Andy to football practices and games at Frankford High, where Andy coached.
“I knew from that point on that’s what I wanted to do,” Bob Wolfrum said of coaching high school football.
He’s lived out that dream for more than 50 years, and he’s been one of the best at it. Few coaches in the nation can match his accomplishments.
He added another line to his incredible resume Saturday when the field he’s called home for 50 seasons was named in his honor.
During the dedication ceremony Wolfrum talked about the many people who have made Wyomissing a special place. He’s at the top of that list.
3RD DOWN
If the District 3 playoffs began today Berks Catholic and Gov. Mifflin would make the field.
The playoffs, of course, don’t start for a couple more weeks. To qualify the Saints and Mustangs have their work cut out for them.
Berks Catholic is currently No. 5 in the Class 3A power ratings; the top six qualify. It plays at Cocalico (7-1) Friday and against Elco (5-3) in Week 10. Cocalico, in case you missed it, is one week removed from a convincing win over Wyomissing. Elco features the league’s most productive running back, Jake Williams, who’s on his way to a 2,000-yard season.
The Saints (4-4) likely will need one of those wins to qualify. It’s possible they could squeeze in at 4-6 but that will take some good fortune.
Gov. Mifflin is No. 12 in Class 5A; the top 12 qualify. The Mustangs (4-4) have little margin for error and a rough closing schedule. They play at Manheim Central (7-1) Friday and close with Warwick (2-6), which is much better than its record.
The Mustangs likely will need to win out to make it to the District 3 Tournament.
4TH DOWN
Wilson named its stadium after football coach John Gurski. Daniel Boone and Exeter did likewise, with Al Brazinsky and Don Thomas, respectively. Fleetwood named its stadium after Ray Buss, the school’s great soccer coach. Berks Catholic’s gym is named in honor of Lloyd Wolf, who coached basketball on that court for decades.
Now that Wyomissing has honored Bob Wolfrum in the same manner Conrad Weiser is on the clock.
The Weiser district was fortunate to have a teacher and coach as skilled, dedicated and graceful as the late Ferdie Kuczala; his name is worthy of be attached to the school’s stadium.
Kuczala was the father of Conrad Weiser football. He started the program in 1969, led the team to three Inter-County League titles, back-to-back perfect seasons and its first playoff game.
The former Reading High and Syracuse quarterback set the tone for Conrad Weiser football; his impact is still felt today.
He was a man of honor and integrity and school officials would be wise to continue to associate his name with the school district. They could find no better role model for their students.