The new season means a new team at Conestoga Valley, but many of the skill players will be familiar as the team again expects to battle with an out-of-county opponent.
Players attending media day:
(from left)
Teagan Ruble, senior, running back, linebacker
Sawyer Esbenshade, senior, quarterback
Konner Fisher, receiver, safety
Josiah Garcia, senior, receiver, safety
The Buckskins were 11-0, having beaten Exeter in the league season when the Eagles toppled them to end their season.
Esbenshade takes motivation from the Exeter loss, but Garcia says, "Honestly, I think it's a new year. I feel like the team that was last year is the team that was last year. I feel like we're moving on and we're a new team now focusing on different things."
"Every week matters just as much as that. If we lose before that (Exeter game in Week 9), then what does it matter," says Fisher.
The players agree they need to replace some senior losses in the line, but they're confident they have the guys to do it.
"I think we'll still be really good and be able to run the ball," says Ruble.
The players also have positive memories from last year.
Governor Mifflin was a big game, says Fisher, "and it was close and they were driving, and I helped force a fumble and then we ended up winning the game.
Ruble remembers scoring a long touchdown against Exeter in the playoffs that kept the Buckskins in the game.
The players are heavily involved in other sports. For Garcia it's basketball and track -- 4x100, triple, high and long jump. Esbenshade plays baseball, and Ruble wrestles --160 -- and plays golf.
LNP | LancasterOnline hosted Football Media Day at its downtown Lancaster office to connect local media with Lancaster-Lebanon League football players and coaches.
