Four-time defending champ Wyomissing set to host West Perry in District 3 Class 3A football final
Nov. 17—When Wyomissing lost to Cocalico on Oct. 6, the Spartans' 41-game regular season winning streak came to an end.
While the unbeaten run was over, the loss changed the trajectory of Wyomissing's season.
The Spartans responded by rattling off four straight wins, including a commanding 48-point victory over Schuylkill Valley last week to advance to their fifth straight District 3 Class 3A football title game.
"I really don't think we had a great season until late in the year," Wyomissing coach Bob Wolfrum said. "The loss to Cocalico woke us up."
Looking to capture their fifth straight district title, the top-seeded Spartans (10-1) will host third-seeded West Perry (11-1) in the final on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bob Wolfrum Field.
"Our defense has gotten a lot better and our offense is making less mistakes," Wolfrum said. "If we keep that up, we got a good shot."
Wyomissing defeated Lampeter-Strasburg 18-13 in the regular season finale before beating the Panthers 48-0 last week to begin its postseason. The Spartans held their opponent to less than 100 rushing yards in both victories.
"The last two games have been our best games of the year," Wolfrum said. "We're just starting to come on now."
Wyomissing has allowed just 12.36 points per game this season, which is the fifth-fewest in District 3. The Spartans have earned two shutout wins and held their opponents to 14 points or fewer in all but two games.
On offense, Wyomissing ranks second in Berks with 303.5 rushing yards per game. Sophomore running back Chase Eisenhower leads the team with 772 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
"We're playing a lot faster," Wolfrum said. "Our defense is closing things off."
The Spartans will take on West Perry in the championship game for the second straight year after they scored 63 unanswered points to beat the Mustangs 63-7 last year.
"They're very good at what they do," Wolfrum said. "They play hard."
This year, West Perry defeated sixth-seeded Bermudian Springs 42-21 in the quarterfinals before beating second-seeded Lancaster Catholic 49-20 in the semifinals. The Mustangs average 40.2 points per game, which ranks seventh in District 3.
"They have some skill people who are really good," Wolfrum said. "They have great speed. Their quarterback runs the option and he's got speed and a lot of talent."
Quarterback Marcus Quaker, a senior, has completed 104-of-151 passes (68.9%) for 1,587 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He also is West Perry's leading rusher with 1,260 yards and 19 touchdowns on 141 carries.
Junior Brad Hockenberry has run for 1,149 yards and 12 touchdowns on 150 carries. The Mustangs' top receiver is senior Ian Goodling, who has 46 catches for 793 yards and seven touchdowns.
While winning their fifth straight district title will be no easy task, the Spartans are grateful to again play for a championship in front of their home fans.
"We really like playing at home," Wolfrum said. "Home game Saturdays are something special to us and our community."
