2023 Season Preview Cocalico
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The reigning District 3 5A Champion Cocalico Eagles are here to stay as Coach Bryan Strohl enters his fourth season as their Head Coach. Coach Strohl did a masterful job last season, particularly in the District title game where the…
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Continue ReadingThe reigning District 3 5A Champion Cocalico Eagles are here to stay as Coach Bryan Strohl enters his fourth season as their Head Coach. Coach Strohl did a masterful job last season, particularly in the District title game where the Eagles took down the heavily favored Exeter 34-14. This was Cocalico’s first district title with Coach Strohl as their head coach and their 2nd since 2019, they are one of the best coached squads in the state, not an opinion but a fact. After starting the season 3-4, the Eagles would go on a 7 game winning streak all their way to district gold before bowing out in the state playoffs to Pine-Richland. They graduated a number of key seniors, but return a number of contributors that should put them in good contention for more championship hardware.
One of the top running backs in Pennsylvania Sam Steffey Sam Steffey 5’11” | 190 lbs | RB Cocalico | 2024 State PA is back and ready to have a monster senior season. The Eagles run a heavy triple option based offense so do not be surprised if Steffey leads District 3 in carries and rushing yards. He caught Coach Weider’s attention this past spring:
Steffey played fullback for Cocalico last year in their Veer Offense. He is a dynamic full-back that is really good when he gets into the open field. Steffey has good lateral quickness that hits the hole well. He is a physical runner that never goes down after the 1st tackler. Steffey also has elite speed and when he gets into the open field he just runs by defenders for big plays. Steffey is a talented running back who should have a good chance to play College Football after a strong Senior year.rnThe young man is a perfect fit for the Eagles offense, racking up first team all state honors last season, he has a 3.7 GPA, anything else you need college coaches?
Highlights
Brayden Eppinette Brayden Eppinette 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Cocalico | 2025 State PA
Brayden Eppinette Brayden Eppinette 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Cocalico | 2025 State PA
Eppinette can play no need for an explanation, this young man has been making plays for Cocalico since he was a freshman. The all-conference selection is back and healthy with an expanded role on offense expected. This rising junior has big time speed and makes plays at his safety position on defense, even picking off a pass in the District Championship. He also took a toss sweep nearly 50 yards for a touchdown in that same game to put the hometown Exeter Eagles to bed for good. Overall this kid makes plays wherever you line him up, expect more of the same come fall.
http://www.hudl.com/v/2K01Lq
Aaryn Longenecker Aaryn Longenecker 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Cocalico | 2024 State PA
Aaryn Longenecker Aaryn Longenecker 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Cocalico | 2024 State PA
The All conference athlete Aaryn Longenecker Aaryn Longenecker 5’11” | 175 lbs | ATH Cocalico | 2024 State PA returns looking to pick up where he left off in 2022. Longenecker is another guy for Coach Strohl’s offense that just needs one glimpse of daylight and boom he is gone. Running a 4.7 40 already this rising senior is sure to be sought out by many division 2 schools across the country. Another guy who will have more opportunities offensively this fall and could be right up their with Steffey for rushing yards leaders as well. Watching him make plays against Exeter last winter when he was going up against lineman twice his size, I know this kid wont back down from any challenge.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13215831/63ee8088f56a300e24b224b6
Junior Quarterback Josh Myer Josh Myer 6’1″ | 185 lbs | QB Cocalico | 2025 State PA is back under center and he runs the triple option from under center to near perfection. For those that are not aware this is a run heavy based offense so Myer does not get many opportunities to showcase his arm strength. When those opportunities arise he takes advantage as he is very accurate on his deep ball. Running a sub 4.7 40 himself Myer is one of the fastest quarterbacks in all the LL Berks conference. Expect a big leap from him in year 2 of his starting quarterback journey.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15166239/5fa368ce6e819b004cd27ba9
Hunter Frable
Hunter Frable
Cocalico typically has one of the best offensive lines in the conference as they well coached by longtime Coach Mark Stauffer and Hunter Frable may be his next big star. The Eagles have produced studs in the trenches for years from Ryan Brubaker to Chucky Drain, their offensive line doesn’t rebuild they reload under Coach Stauffer. Frable does not have a ton of game experience but he looks the part and knowing Coach Stauffer he will have him ready to go. Standing at 5’9 and having experience playing many different positions on both offensive and defensive line will certainly help.
A young man to keep an eye out for is Dane Horning Dane Horning 5’8″ | 180 lbs | ATH Cocalico | 2026 State PA , who will play a little bit a fullback but probably more at linebacker come this fall. With the depth in Cocalico’s running back room it would make sense to see him more defensively as he enters his sophomore campaign. He is the perfect fit for what the Eagles are all about tough, big heart, and ready to take on any challengers. He already had an impact last fall as a freshman playing in a few varsity games at linebacker, expect him to be among the team leaders in tackle this fall.
Adam Laudenslager
Adam Laudenslager
Laudenslager is another guy expected to make the leap for Coach Stauffer up front and has experience to prove it. The two-time varsity lettermen had his best game late in the year against playoff bound Donegal where he made some key plays on the defensive line for the Eagles.
Bryce Nash
Bryce Nash
First team defensive back Bryce Nash is back in the fold and that is a good thing for Cocalico fans as he is one of the best corners in the league already. A very physical, technically sound corner Nash can play in man to man or zone coverage and make you pay. They typically line him up on their opponents best wide receiver and he looks them down at the line. He is the type of corner that will make a wideout earn each possession regardless if it is a run or pass play.