The first #12 seed to win a District 3 football Championship - Cocalico Eagles

Cocalico upset second-seeded Exeter 34-14 in the District 3-5A championship at Don Thomas Stadium.  Exeter suffered its first loss of the season.  Cocalico set the tone early with a 16-play, 65-yard opening drive that lasted eight and a-half minutes.  Sam Steffey got his 23rd touchdown run of the year from two yards out.  The (10-4) Eagles raced out to a 13-0 lead on a 46-yard score by Brayden Eppinette with one minute to go in the first quarter.  Exeter pulled within 20-14 late in the third quarter on Richie Karstien’s second 1-yard touchdown run of the night.  Josh Myer answered with a 14-yard score on the ensuing possession.  The sophomore quarterback added a 5-yard touchdown run with 3:47 remaining for the final margin.  In a matchup of two great rushing attacks, Cocalico outgained Exeter 188-97 on the ground.  Cocalico is the first #12 seed to win a District 3 football championship.

SVSPORTS interviewed Aaryn Longenecker after the game.  The 5’10, 165-pound junior had two catches for 87 yards including a 42-yard TD with 22 seconds left in the first half.  Longenecker also came up with an interception and later ran in a 2-point conversion.