The local standouts: Meet the 2022 All-Lebanon County all-star football teams

It’s a rite of passage, and it signals a change in seasons. It’s also a long-standing local tradition, and a celebration of sport.

But perhaps most importantly, the all-Lebanon County football team is a way to honor student-athletes, their talents and all the hard work required to excel.

Recently, Lebanon County’s six coaches unveiled their 2022 all-county football squad. The season wasn’t a great one by local standards, but Lebanon County still enjoyed some great team moments and some outstanding individual performances.

“Sometimes I do ask myself why we do it, because there are so many all-star teams out there,” said Annville-Cleona head coach Matt Gingrich. “But it’s important because we’re a small county. Everyone knows each other. It’s a time-honored tradition.

“The one thing I’ve heard is that the kids really look forward to it. A lot of the schools compete against each other.”

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Heading this year’s all-Lebanon County offensive team is the backfield of Annville-Cleona senior runner Phoenix Music, Elco junior speedster Jake Williams – both record-setters – and versatile Palmyra sophomore performer Juan Figueroa. Talented Cedar Crest senior Jay Huber mans the quarterback position.

Outside, receivers Nolan Groff of Cedar Crest, James Voight of Northern Lebanon and Alex Orosco of Lebanon all enjoyed banner campaigns. Cedar Crest’s Aiden Schomp and Elco’s Elliot Kreider hold down the tight-end spot.

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A peak inside reveals Nick Lambros of Cedar Crest and Josiah Wright of Lebanon at center, flanked by Annville-Cleona’s Damien Miller, Cedar Crest’s Connor Schwartz, Cedar Crest’s Christian Weaber, Elco’s Jaron Garcia and Palmyra’s Colton Long at guards and tackles. The coaches recognized Kadan Readinger of Palmyra as their all-county kick returner, Jack Waranavage of Cedar Crest as their all-county punt returner, Moises Gonzalez of Northern Lebanon as their utility player of the year and Ian Buvoltz of Annville-Cleona as their inspirational player.

“There were a lot of kids with standout seasons,” Gingrich said. “I think we’re recognizing the best football players we’ve got, but also the best kids in other sports. A lot of these Lebanon County all-stars are three-sport kids. They’re good athletes.”

Schwartz, Miller and Garcia were the only student-athletes honored for their performances on both sides of the ball. Joining them along the all-Lebanon County defensive line are Corbett Brickle of Lebanon, Andrew Manning of Palmyra, Jon Shay of Annville-Cleona, Jared Ecenroad of Northern Lebanon and Kyle Chapin of Palmyra.

Linebackers for the all-county defense are Cedar Crest’s Zion Rolon, Elco’s Aidon Fritsch, Lebanon’s Emanuel Mason, Northern Lebanon’s Luke Shaffer, Palmyra’s Kadin Jones and Annville-Cleona’s Alex Long. The defensive backfield consists of Cael Harter of Annville-Cleona, Owen Chernich of Cedar Crest, Derrick Briddell of Lebanon and Keagen Kleinfelter of Palmyra.

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Palmyra’s Jason McCurdy was selected as the all-county punter, Annville-Cleona’s Bryce Keller was chosen as the snapper and Anthony Lucera was picked as the place kicker.

“All of our kids play both ways, but very few star both ways,” Gingrich said. “With linemen, you don’t hear their names often. But often times, linemen are your best players, and they don’t ever touch the ball. A lot of kids don’t want to be linemen because of that.”

For his part, Gingrich was tabbed as the local coach of the year. Gingrich led Annville-Cleona to an 8-4 overall mark and to within a win of being the first Lebanon County football team to win a district title.

“I think a lot of it comes down to; How did you do compared to how you should’ve done?’” said Gingrich of the award. “I think the coolest part is that it means we had a really good year. I’m happy our kids had success, more than anything else. I told them ‘This is yours.’ It’s a team award.”

The local coaches have been naming an all-Lebanon County football team for as long as anyone can remember, as far back as the 1980s. In his junior and senior seasons of 1995 and 1996 at Annville-Cleona, Gingrich was honored as an all-Lebanon County lineman.

“I remember it being a big deal,” Gingrich said. “The coolest thing was that it was the first time that I got to see some of the other players’ faces. I always remember playing against them, but never saw them with their helmets off. It was quite an honor to be with those kids. Back then, it meant that you might be able to play in college.”

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: 2022 All-Lebanon County all-star football teams