2023 Season Preview Manheim Township Blue Streaks:

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Manheim Township Blue Streaks had a great post season that lead them all the way to a District 3 Finals appearance against Harrisburg. Head Coach Mark Evans squad may not have won the section title last fall, but they nearly took him the district gold, before bowing out in the 6A Title game to the Cougars. Returning several key playmakers and lineman, the Blue Streaks are considered by many the favorites not only in Section 1 of the LL Berks, but also for all of District 3. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Returning Players</strong>:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["222655"],"_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":"I have been high on this young man since I saw him play in person as a sophomore back in 2021. Whether he is throwing bombs to Penn State's Anthony Ivey or darts to Monmouth prospect [player_tooltip player_id='256168' first='Landon' last='Kennel'], Johnson knows how to survey the field. One of the top quarterbacks in the state returns for his senior campaign, in hopes of a championship. Hayden's teams have had successful seasons with him under center, time for the Blue Streaks to take home the District Gold behind this young man. Already obtaining offers from several FCS schools, I still believe he is an FBS level talent and his play will show that this fall.rnrnhttps://twitter.com/HaydenJohnson09/status/1633578588459999243?s=20","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["256168"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"A little over two weeks ago the top receiver in the conference and one of the tops in the state committed to play for Monmouth. If you have seen his body of work you know this kid is a gamer and has been Johnson's go to target from day 1. My colleague [player_tooltip player_id='1156407' first='Vic' last='Castillo'] gave his thoughts on Kennel below:rnrnWe've seen u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='256168' first='Landon' last='Kennel']u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022info-boxu0022u003eu003ca class=u0022link-wrapu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/landon-kennel/u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022player-imgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-imageu002du002dhandledu0022 src=u0022https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/kennel-1.jpg?w=150u0026amp;h=150u0026amp;crop=1u0022 alt=u0022[player_tooltip player_id='256168' first='Landon' last='Kennel']u0022 data-lazy-loaded=u00221u0022 /u003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e rise up our ranks throughout the years.  We've witnessed programs add him to their boards in real-time, either after his junior tape dropped, or after seeing the kid dominate at camps. Kennel, much like u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='259542' first='Durrell' last='Ceasar']u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022info-boxu0022u003eu003ca class=u0022link-wrapu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/durrell-ceasar/u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022player-imgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-imageu002du002dhandledu0022 src=u0022https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.pngu0022 alt=u0022[player_tooltip player_id='259542' first='Durrell' last='Ceasar']u0022 data-lazy-loaded=u00221u0022 /u003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e , has flirted inside the top 100 for months, almost a year over. Many people are taken aback when seeing him dominate competition in person, I, however, am not. I've gone on record to say that Monmouth should be through the roof after landing this young man. I applaud the program for evaluating talent thoroughly throughout the areas they recruit. Excited to see Kennel grow through the years. Expect more impressive production this Fall.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["263031"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"If you have followed this young man's family history, then you would know that [player_tooltip player_id='263031' first='Julian' last='Larue'] is in for a long line of success. Watching him as a freshman two years ago wreak havoc on every snap, I knew right away this kid was the real deal. Larue will be stronger than nearly every linemen he goes up against this fall, but he may be one of the more athletic dtackles in all of Pennsylvania. My co-worker [player_tooltip player_id='1539423' first='Pat' last='Weider'] reviewed his tape back in March and came away very impressed as well:rnrnLarue has a great size for the position. He is a massive person who is a good athlete. In one clip from his film he blocked a punt, I am not sure I saw someone as big as him block a punt like that before. At the defensive line, it is impossible to move off the ball because he is so strong. That strength and his technique allow him to excel at the defensive line. He is also very good at rushing the passer. He uses his athleticism to make a lot of plays in the backfield. He also can be put at the defensive end to create pressure on the offense as well. Larue is just scratching the service and I expect him to only get better.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["769370"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Another athletic defensive lineman for Defensive Coordinator Scott Yoder to move around and cause headaches for opposing offensive coordinators in [player_tooltip player_id='769370' first='Eli' last='Rodriguez']. The rising senior came on strong for the Blue Streaks last fall and playing next to Larue and company should only help him.  Coach Weider really likes the ceiling for this young man, here is what he had to say about him this past Spring:rnrnHe is a good athlete that makes a lot of plays in the backfield. He is good at setting the edge and making a lot of plays in the backfield. He is also good at pass rushing the quarterback by using his hands to rip through offensive lineman. He has a good bend and uses that leveage as well to get around offensive tackles. Finally he shows good strength and can control offensive lineman with his strengeth. Rodriguez should only get better going forward.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["558621"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"It is a real shame that [player_tooltip player_id='558621' first='Nick' last='Good'] was injured and missed over half of his junior campaign, he may be the most underappreciated player in the league. A versatile running back who can hit the whole with force and has exceptional hands, making him another reliable target for Johnson. What I enjoyed about him the most was his play on special teams though. Covering their wild victory over Harrisburg in week 3 last year, he nearly took a kickoff to the house and caused a couple of blocked punts. If the Blue Streaks did not have him for that game there is no way in my opinion they pull off the win. Having him fully healthy should only double their offensive production and perhaps get Manheim Township over the top.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["598810"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"In a short matter of weeks, gone was Good's production and [player_tooltip player_id='598810' first='Declan' last='Clancy'] took a major role down the stretch. The rising junior is a load at fullback and carries the ball like Mike Alstott, meaning if you do not tackle him low chances are he will run you over. When [player_tooltip player_id='222655' first='Hayden' last='Johnson'] came on our podcast last year he talked about how valuable this kid was and how much he stepped up in replace of Good. Clancy will be one of the top backs in the LLBerks this fall, do not be surprised if more PSAC coaches come calling for his services.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["684914"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Talk about high upside and with a chance to get major college coaches attention, offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='684914' first='Charlie' last='Breidenstein'] more than fits that mold. He came into his own last fall and I expect him to master his craft more for 2023. Here is what I said about him back in March and I stand by it:rnrnAt 6'5 and 295 lbs. its hard to miss Breidenstein on the field. The Penn Manor transfer is coming into his own for the Blue Streaks and his 2023 campaign won't disappoint. A big hulking tackle, Breidenstein is solid in his footwork and his reach is top notch. He is the type of offensive lineman that you don't want to have you looked up as a defender cause chances are he will drive you to the ground. Major upside is there for this rising junior, I expect many colleges to start take notice very soon.rnrnhttp://www.hudl.com/v/2JwsCG","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["305014"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Catching the game winning pass with seconds remaining against Harrisburg last year, [player_tooltip player_id='305014' first='Asher' last='Wolfe'] is a clutch prime time player for the Blue Streaks. Another guy who may get lost in the shuffle with the plethora of weapons Coach Evans has offensively, it is time to put some respect on his name. Coach Weider agrees:rnrnWolfe is a very good prospect who played safety and wide receiver for Township. He is very good on offense at finding the hole in the defense and catching the ball then turning it up to make a play. He has a really good size at 6'3″. He is very good on contested catches as he usually comes down with the catches. On defense, he has good balls skills and knocks down many passes thrown to receivers. His best attribute though at Safety is his tackling. He is a very good tackler and he does it by taking good angles and most of the time bringing the ball carrier to the ground. Wolfe is a good prospect and with a strong Senior year should get some real College Football looks.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"Donovan Rodriguez","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"Manheim Township","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_8_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"While Manheim Township's senior class is very impressive, we cannot sleep on their 2025 kids, especially standout corner Donovan Rodriguez. A ball hawker in the truest forms, Rodriguez has a chance to soar up our rankings with a big Junior campaign. He is very technically sound at his corner position and Coach Yoder will need him to be going up against some tough receivers this fall.rnrnhttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/16606211/639a12bcc119be0c84bc3b6c","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"Nick Palumbo","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"Manheim Township","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_9_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Palumbo is another team first guy on a squad full of them, that doesn't care about his own success but his whole squads.  A lengthy receiver at 6'3 with solid speed, Palumbo can make plays after the catch too. He has exceptional hands and shows that defensively including picking off Hempfield's [player_tooltip player_id='377456' first='Jackson' last='Landis'] for a score in their District Playoff rematch. A student of the game if Palumbo decides not to play at the next level it wont be because of his school work, he boasts a 4.2 GPA.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_10_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='915498' first='Thomas' last='Capizzi']","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_10_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_10_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_10_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_10_player_details_school":"Manheim Township","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_10_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_10_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_10_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":"","_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"A rising junior who is sure to have an impact at linebacker is [player_tooltip player_id='915498' first='Thomas' last='Capizzi'].Capizzi started as an offensive tackle for the Blue Streaks as a sophomore, using his strength and athleticism to make many defensive lineman foolish. Where I see him making an even bigger impact in 2023 is at linebacker, possibly replacing stalwart Jake Laubach. He is a very crafty lineman who you will need more than a bullrush to beat him off the ball. Where I see his play taking it to the next level, will be at linebacker and he will not disappoint.rnrnhttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/16555367/6388d9da1600fe0f50ce895a","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ac5d0d774bc"} /--> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Thoughts: </strong>Expect many prognosticators to have Manheim Township as the favorites in Section 1 of the LL Berks League this Fall. Returning several division 1 caliber players you can see why not only are the one of the favorites in the league but all of District 3 too. Splitting their matchups with Harrisburg last year certainly has their confidence they can overcome the Cougars and take home another District championship. Before they can do that they have to get through a tough regular season schedule with Wilson, Cumberland Valley and arch rival Hempfield, do not expect the Blue Streaks for any handouts they wouldn't want it that way anyhow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote -->