In a highly anticipated clash, the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes will face off against the Williams Valley Vikings for the District 11 2A Championship. After suffering defeats in the championship game to Williams Valley in the past two years, Schuylkill Haven is determined to change their fortunes this time around and continue their undefeated season into the PIAA 2A state playoffs.
The Hurricanes, boasting a record of 12-0 overall and 9-0 in the league, previously defeated Williams Valley, who are now 11-1 and 8-1, during week six of each of the last two seasons. “This is just a week 13 game in our minds and we have greater goals,” stated Head Coach Farr. “The district title is just part of it. I”m excited to see our guys go out and play, and the district title is something they”ve chased, so I”m more excited for the kids this week.”
Currently, Schuylkill Haven holds the top rank in the state for Class 2A, while Williams Valley is ranked sixth in the latest PennLive.com state high school football rankings. Senior linebacker Wyatt Keefer reflected on the rivalry, saying, “Where we”re at right now is because of those two losses against Williams Valley. We know each other, so it should be another good game. We just want to play as a team, do our job, lock in, and we should be good.”
Since losing to Williams Valley in the District 11 2A Championship last season by a score of 28-13, Schuylkill Haven has not tasted defeat and is aiming for their first undefeated season since 2008. The team”s success is attributed to a combination of experienced defenders and a strong running game led by a senior offensive line. The Hurricanes have outscored their opponents this season, averaging 55 points while allowing just 13.
Junior running back Colton Reber has been a standout performer, recording 36 touchdown runs and accumulating 2,663 rushing yards. Senior Niko Castillo has contributed with 13 touchdown runs and 800 rushing yards. “It”s great having two, even three running backs who can really go,” Reber commented. “We all have to block for each other and go out there and play. Up front they all get it done; they have gap control, and Triston Davis and Chase Leibensperger fulfill their assignments well.”
Although senior running back Niko Carestia was expected to return for this game after a mid-season knee injury, Reber remained determined to lead the team. “We have a great bond on this team, and we”re really coming together to do what we want to do. To reach that state title, we”ve got to keep playing,” he noted. “For this game, we need to come out with good energy every play and fulfill our assignments.”
On the defensive side, Keefer emphasized the team”s mentality of swarming to the ball carrier. The defense, led by assistant coach Frank Gaffney, has shown significant improvements, with players like Triston Davis and Chase Leibensperger excelling at linebacker and Brayden Diehl and Logan Goad performing well in the secondary. Davis leads the defense with 6.5 tackles per game, while Chase Williams has racked up 26 tackles for loss and Castillo has added 21 tackles for loss along with 11 sacks.
Farr praised the maturity of his players, noting, “The biggest improvement is how we”ve matured on the defensive side of the football. Frank Gaffney has taken the defense to another level of complexity, and guys have played multiple spots.” This cohesive defense has recorded four shutouts this season as they aim to secure their first district title since 2018.
As the Hurricanes prepare to face the Vikings, Keefer remarked, “There never was a doubt in my mind that this would be the district championship again. We just know each other really well.” The matchup is highly anticipated, as both teams have a long history of close contests dating back to their youth football days. “We learned tendencies and what they like to do. Going into this game, we just want to play it like we did in the regular season,” Keefer added.
The District 11 2A Championship will take place on Friday at 7 PM at Blue Mountain”s Eagles Nest, with both teams eager to claim the title and secure their paths to the state playoffs.
