2023 Season Preview Lampeter-Strasburg

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lampeter-Strasburg is one of the best programs in Lancaster-Lebanon and has spent the last decade dominating the league. This past season Lampeter-Strasburg got moved to Section 4 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League because of the merger with Berks. The new Section 4 is loaded with good teams in Wyomissing, Berks Catholic, Cocalico, and several other teams. Lampeter-Strasburg did very well in the league starting 6-0 in Section 4 until they got defeated by Wyomissing in the last week of the regular season. They responded by beating Susquehanna Township in the District 3 Playoffs. The following week they got beaten by Manheim Central. Lampeter-Strasburg ended the season 9-3 with the other loss to Solanco in week 1. A successful season, but Lampater-Strasburg is used to winning Section Titles and competing for District Championships. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coaching Update:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Victory Ridenour replaced long-time head coach John Manion in 2021. Manion was the head coach for 23 years and had created a strong program. Ridenour was previously an assistant coach for Manion for several years. Ridenour has continued his success going 11-2 year one until eventually losing to Bishop McDevitt in the PIAA District 3 Championship Game and 9-3 last year. Ridenour is a good coach and Lampeter-Strasburg is in good hands going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top players returning this season: </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["558623"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae075d5d77a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='558623' first='Carson' last='Coleman']. </strong>Coleman played running back for Lampeter-Strasburg last year. He had an outstanding year for Lampeter-Strasburg as he was able to carry the load at running back. Coleman should build on it this year as well and finish his Senior year strong. Below is what I wrote about him earlier this year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coleman is a good athlete that Lampeter-Strasburg used in the running game and the passing game a lot. When he runs the ball he does a nice job hitting the hole and then making people miss. He also is a physical runner that runs through tacklers. When he catches the ball Coleman has good hands and runs really good routes. Coleman is also very good in the open field. When he gets into the open field he has the speed to run away from defenders.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["558398"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae075d5d7d4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='558398' first='Trenton' last='Wagner']. </strong> Wagner was the starting quarterback last year for Lampeter-Strasburg. Wagner had a solid year and helped lead his team to a successful year. I expect him to improve and have an even bigger year. Below is what I wrote about him earlier this year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>He has good footwork in the pocket and does a nice job setting his feet when he throws the ball. Wagner showed a good arm, but he also knows how to put touch on the ball when it is needed. He is accurate with the football and knows where he wants to throw the ball. Wagner is a good runner that runs for tough yards when it is needed. He is especially good at QB power tucking the ball and getting a few tough yards.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377420"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae075d5d81a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377420' first='Jonathan' last='Mellinger']. </strong>Mellinger played running back and safety for Lampeter-Strasburg last year. He was a solid contributor for them last year. Mellinger got playing time at running back and defensive back. At running back he does a nice job hitting the hole and is rarely taken down by the 1st tackler. He is a physical runner and runs through defenders. Lampeter-Strasburg runs a heavy zone offense and he is able to be patient while he hits the hole. Mellinger should contribute even more this year for Lampeter-Strasburg. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893536"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae075d5d860"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demoj Gray. </strong>Gray played cornerback for Lampeter-Strasburg last year. He played at a very high level at cornerback. The most impressive part of his game is his legit speed. He can run with any wide receiver and does a nice job running with them. On one clip in particular a ball carrier had broken free for a big game and Gray turned and ran the player down from behind. This play showcased his speed. He also showed on several clips that he has good ball skills and does a nice job with covering receivers. Finally Gray does an excellent job of tackling ball carriers. Lampeter-Strasburg plays a ton of teams that run the ball a lot, so Gray has to be a good run defender from his cornerback position. He showed that he is more than capable of doing that. Gray with a strong Senior year should get some College Football looks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dean Herr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lampeter-Strasburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae075d5d8f1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dean Herr</strong>. Herr played wide receiver last year for Lampeter-Strasburg. He flashed a ton of skill for the position. He has legit speed and really shows it when he runs past defensive backs. He does a nice job just running fade routes past defenders. He does a nice job with contested catches as he is able to make these difficult catches. He runs good routes and I saw him several times put defenders in tough spots by running good routes. Herr is a good player and I am excited to see how he plays this year and should have a chance to play College Football in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jackson Heeter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lampeter-Strasburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae075d5d976"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Heeter. </strong>Heeter played middle linebacker for Lampeter-Strasburg last year. He does a nice job reading and reacting to offensive plays and then coming downhill to make the play. Heeter is good at taking on blockers and keeping his shoulder free to be involved in the tackle. He also does a nice job of running sideline-to-sideline to make plays. Heeter is also a sound tackler and when he hits an offensive player he really lays into them. He is an especially good tackler in the open field. Heeter is a good prospect that should only get better going into his Junior Year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Drexton Frank","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lampeter-Strasburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae1122c563c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drexton Frank.</strong> Frank played outside linebacker and tight end for Lampeter-Strasburg last year. At both positions, he has good size standing 6'2" inches tall. As an outside linebacker, he shows good skills. He did a nice job setting the edge and either forcing everything inside or making the play on the ball carrier. Frank also shows he has a good motor and is constantly chasing plays down from behind. At tight end, he showed he could block well and also has good hands to catch the ball as well. Frank shows a lot of progress this year and should have an opportunity to play College Football with a strong Senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Louie Malatesta","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lampeter-Strasburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae1122c5737"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Louie Malatesta. </strong>Malatesta got limited playing time last year at cornerback and running back, but when he played he did a nice job. At running back he hits the hole well. He does a nice job hitting the hole and making people miss in the open field. Malatesta also showed he has good speed and he is able to run by defenders. Malatesta also contributed on the kickoff team by running down and making plays. Malatesta showed promise as a player last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Julian Lopez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lampeter-Strasburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae1122c5809"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Julian Lopez. </strong>Lopez played outside linebacker last year. Lopez does a nice job of reading and reacting to the play and then coming upfield to make a tackle. He also does a good job of running sideline-to-sideline to make tackles. Lopez also showed the ability to blitz off the edge. Lopez showed promise and going into his Senior year he should have an opportunity to have a strong year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zeke Lukusa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lampeter Strasburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aeb70a3147c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zeke Lukusa</strong>. Lukusa played defensive end last year. Lukusa is a nice athlete that showed good traits at the defensive end position. He is at his best when he is let loose to use his athletic ability to make plays. He is slightly undersized for the position as he is going against players much bigger than him, but he does a nice job of using his hands to get on offensive linemen. He does a nice job setting the edge and either making the play or forcing the play inside. Lukusa is really good on pass rush where he can use his athleticism to just run past offensive linemen. Lukusa is a good athlete who with a strong Senior year should get some College Football looks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Thoughts:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lampeter-Strasburg Football team is in good shape, especially for the 2023 season. They are bringing back several key players including their quarterback Trent Wagner. I expect Wagner to make a jump this season as a returning QB. In addition, they are returning [player_tooltip player_id='558623' first='Carson' last='Coleman'] leading rusher from last year. They are also returning several other skill players [player_tooltip player_id='377420' first='Jonathan' last='Mellinger'], Dean Herr, and [player_tooltip player_id='893536' first='Damoj' last='Gray']. I expect Lampater-Strasburg to be in contention for another League and District Title this year. A familiar place for this football program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ae1122c5942"} /-->