PRZPA Team Preview, Cocalico

Next up in our team previews is the Cocalico Eagles. Last season, the Eagles were 12-2 including 7-0 in Lancaster-Lebanon conference play; they finished the season as one of the state's top 25 teams and a top-five team at the 5A level. The 12-2 record was the next step in what has been a strong "rebuilding" effort for the Eagles over the last few seasons. Only a few short years ago, the Eagles were 4-4, before moving to 6-5 one year later. In 2022, the Eagles were 10-5 including 5-2 in conference play before last year's 12-2 season.   The Eagles were just a play away from a trip to the 5A Championship game last December, falling to Peters Township in the state semifinals 14-9. That being said, the Eagles said goodbye to multiple key contributors from last season including senior tailback Aaryn Longenecker who ran for 1,312 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Other key contributors gone include Sam Steffey (132 carries, 821 yards, three touchdowns), Tim Porter (71 tackles, 5.0 TFL), Logan Brubaker (67 tackles, 23.0 TFL), Owen Weaver (44 tackles, 15.0 TFL), and Hunter Frable (24 tackles, 5.0 TFL).   With that, the Eagles are expected to once again be the top teams in the Lancaster-Lebanon Conference once again in 2024 and here are the prospects who will look to lead Cocalico back to the state playoffs.    Cocalico's quarterback, Myer's future in football is likely as a running back or wide receiver. The 6-foot-1 quarterback made his biggest impact on the ground last year with 147 carries for 820 yards and one touchdown. The Eagles don't throw the ball a ton, so his passing success isn't too much of a worry at this juncture. That being said, Myer is the key cog in Cocalico's offense and is a smart leader on the field for Eagles. He'll once again be a major part of any success they have offensively this upcoming season.       The 5-foot-8, Horning made impacts on both sides of the ball last season with 149 carries for 777 yards and 11 touchdowns as a ball carrier. Defensively, he had 104 tackles including 15.0 tackles for loss. His 5-foot-8 frame will likely keep him to the offensive side of the ball if he plays football at the collegiate level. A physical tailback, Horning also shows good athleticism and speed as part of his game. He's been impressive at previous PRZ PA Combine series as well including earning third-team honors in our event this past May.       Eppinette might just be the best athlete for Cocalico. He has a strong traditional frame at 5-foot-10 and 175-pounds but also has great reported athleticism with a 35" vertical and a 4.42 forty-yard dash time. Eppinette is elusive in space as well with the ball in his hands and can quickly make opposing defenses pay for any poor routes taken to him or other miscues. Also a very good defensive back who shows quality coverage skills but also plays well downfield.       Bollinger is another prospect on the smaller side which will likely limit him to the offensive side of the ball at the collegiate level. Offensively, Bollinger had 24 carries for 91 yards last season while defensively he led Cocalico with 129 tackles including 17.0 tackles for loss. Bollinger is a high-IQ linebacker who has quick read-and-react skills. He's a good athlete and takes smart routes to the ball carrier. He'll rarely let a ball carrier get away from him as well, once he gets a hand on them, the play is more than likely over.    Other names:   A pair of additional names to know for Cocalico heading into the season include Jerry Mcardle; 38 tackles, 5.0 TFL and Thomas Dattoli: 37 tackles, 5.0 TFL. Neither player has any film available on HUDL.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Have information regarding a prospect or team that you believe would be useful for us to know? Feel free to contact me at dylanccwriting@gmail.com or on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsDylanCC">here</a>.   Want to claim your profile or don't see a profile for you? Claim or create your free player profile by clicking and searching your name, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/claim-your-profile/">here</a>.

Next up in our team previews is the Cocalico Eagles. Last season, the Eagles were 12-2 including 7-0 in Lancaster-Lebanon conference play; they finished the season as one of the state's top 25 teams and a top-five team at the 5A level. The 12-2 record was the next step in what has been a strong "rebuilding" effort for the Eagles over the last few seasons. Only a few short years ago, the Eagles were 4-4, before moving to 6-5 one year later. In 2022, the Eagles were 10-5 including 5-2 in conference play before last year's 12-2 season.