A Season of Resilience and Growth
Berks Catholic football coach Dave Stahler guided the Saints to their first Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 title since 2022, finishing 7-0 in the section and 9-3 overall. Despite a 17-0 loss to Trinity in the District 3 championship, Stahler praised his team’s progress, highlighting their 300-yard average rushing and eight points allowed per game defensively. The Saints’ success was built on a balanced attack, with running back Coy Koller (609 yards, 7 TDs) and defensive end Faith Zudie (90 tackles) leading the way.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
Stahler’s team faces significant turnover, losing standout rushers Xavier Gerald (887 yards, 8 TDs) and Jeremiah Camara (736 yards, 7 TDs) to graduation and transfer. Camara, who previously played at Reading High, transferred to Penn Charter, while lineman Damoni Daglis moved to Wilson. Despite these losses, Stahler emphasized the team’s focus on development, stating, 'We’re always competing with the team we were yesterday.' Returning stars like Koller and Zudie will anchor the offense and defense, with Zudie set to add more carries from the backfield.
Keys to Success: Trenches, Humility, and Adaptability
The Saints’ success hinges on their offensive line’s dominance, which enabled over 300 yards per game. Stahler stressed the need for humility after their District 3 loss, urging players to approach every game with the same intensity. Early-season challenges against Notre Dame-Green Pond and Bethlehem Catholic will test their readiness, with non-league games starting August 28. Stahler’s focus remains on cultivating depth, ensuring the program continues its upward trajectory.
