Hayden Johnson throws 4 TDs as Manheim Township crushes York

By Daryl Simione Last updated Nov 11, 2023

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 Daryl Simione — LNP/Lancasteronline

NEFFSVILLE — Manheim Township scored early and often to defeat York High 44-8 in the District 3 Class 6A football quarterfinals Friday.

The top-seeded Blue Streaks (11-0) advance to next week’s semifinal round, where they’ll host Cumberland Valley. The fourth-seeded Eagles defeated Wilson 20-14.

“We played them Week One and we played them last year twice,” Township coach Mark Evans said of Cumberland Valley. “They’re going to come here with payback on their mind, I’m sure. Just like when we went up there with payback on our mind last year.”

The Blue Streaks wasted little time getting on the board against eighth-seeded York (6-4). After the defense forced a three-and-out, Township quarterback Hayden Johnson threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Landon Kennel.

Township added three more touchdowns by the end of the first quarter.

First, running back Declan Clancy (15 carries, 121 yards) cut through the right side for a 7-yard score.

Marcos Fernandez forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and the Blue Streaks took over at the Bearcats’ 15-yard line. Johnson promptly found Lex Haberbosch in the back of the end zone for a touchdown and hit Kennel in stride for a two-point conversion and a 21-0 lead.

Kennel had four catches for 140 yards to break the Blue Streaks’ record for career receiving yards.

Johnson (11-for-17 passing, 234 yards) capped the outburst with a 19-yard strike to Asher Wolfe for a 28-0 advantage through one quarter of play.

“After a week off and a week of practicing, our guys were hungry,” Evans said. “They wanted to start fast and finish strong. Again, two weeks off and then you’re up big, it’s hard to keep our foot on the gas. We have to make sure we continue to do that.”

York rebounded defensively in the second quarter. A Township drive stalled just inside the red zone and resulted in a 33-yard field goal by Hunter Nguyen.

The Bearcats later forced a turnover on downs and trailed just 31-0 at the half.

But Johnson connected with Nick Palumbo for a 39-yard touchdown on Township’s first drive of the second half and Allan Feliciano tacked on a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

The Bearcats broke the shutout with only three seconds left in the game. York quarterback George Banks heaved a 40-yard touchdown pass to David Warde (six receptions, 124 yards) for the final margin.