Andy Close
Someone other than Farrell is going to be the District 10 Class A football champion for the first time since 2014.
Of course, that was known before the season when the Steelers were bumped up to Class 2A, but Friday, Reynolds travels to Eisenhower to officially decide it.
Reynolds’ last D-10 football title came in 2005, when they beat Wilmington in Class 2A, 21-0.
Eisenhower, meanwhile, is making its first title game appearance since 2002. Those were a habit for the Knights in the 90s, including back-to-back Class 1A titles in 1992 and 1993.
The two teams have a lot in common, having both rolled through the regular season.
Their semifinal games couldn’t have been more different, however.
The Raiders (7-0) rolled past Cambridge Springs, 40-0, while the Knights (8-0), edged West Middlesex 22-21 double-overtime in what could accurately be described as one of the most thrilling games in program history.
Here’s how the two teams match up.
Eisenhower Offense (46.4 ppg.)
The Knights’ vaunted attack was limited by West Middlesex in the semis, but they have an offense that is capable of beating opponents both on the ground and through the air.
Senior quarterback Owen Trumbull has completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,232 yards, 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Trumbull has an array of weapons to throw to, including Dillon Benson (31-610-6 TDs), Zane Alexander (15-218-4), and Caleb Robinault (11-244-7).
The offensive line has bulldozed teams this season, paving the way for Cael Black (854 yards, 17 touchdowns), with Trumbull, Benji Bauer and Alexander also threats in the run game as well.
Reynolds Offense (42.9 ppg)
There’s no secret to what the Raiders want to do – run, run and run some more. Cole Toy is the catalyst, carrying for 947 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Dreyvin Livingston is also a major threat in the run game with 493 yards, averaging 9.2 yards per carry, while Jalen Wagner has 360 yards on 10.6 yards per carry and Aidan Mull 252 yards.
Brayden McCloskey is the quarterback, and he has thrown for 177 yards this season, 68 of which have gone to Nate Miller.
Eisenhower Defense (5.1 ppg.)
The 21 points the Knights allowed last week were easily their most of the season, and it took Middlesex two overtimes to do it. Gannon Jaquay (61 tackles, 7 tackles for loss), Bauer (46 tackles, 6 TFL), Jared Beers (44 tackles, 15 TFL, 3.5 sacks), Colby Hagg (39 tackles, 10.5 for loss) and Black (34 tackles, 17.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks) lead the charge.
On special teams, Jake Venman has been virtually automatic on extra points.
Reynolds Defense (9.4 ppg.)
The Raiders’ defense rivals Eisenhower’s as one of District 10’s best. Toy also leads the defense (49 tackles, Rocco John-Daniello (48 tackles, 9 TFL, 5 sacks), Luke Faber (36 tackles, 6 sacks) and Livingston (3 interceptions).
