Southern Lehigh and Twin Valley are set to face off in the PIAA 4A football championship on March 14, 2024, at 19:00, held at Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Field. Both teams are making their inaugural appearances in a state title game, adding an extra layer of excitement to this matchup.
Key Facts About Twin Valley
Twin Valley enters the championship boasting a perfect record of 14-0, a feat not achieved by a Berks County team since Wilson-West Lawn in 2014. Historically, only five teams have accomplished this milestone, with Wyomissing being the sole team to finish at 16-0, clinching the state title in 2012.
Head coach Brett Myers has led the Raiders to a remarkable 40-10 record over his four seasons at the helm. A graduate of Middletown High School, Myers previously coached there for eight years, achieving a solid 73-22 record. Under his guidance, Twin Valley has emerged as a dominant force, ranking No. 1 in the state since Week 10, despite not being ranked in the preseason.
The Raiders have showcased extraordinary performance throughout the season, winning regular-season games by an average margin of 46 points, the largest in Berks County history. They have recorded 10 mercy-rule victories, with their only game decided by fewer than 20 points being a 28-24 win over District 7 champion Aliquippa.
In the District 3 championship game, Twin Valley secured its first district finals appearance and title with a 41-21 victory over Susquehanna Township, marking a significant achievement for the program.
Standout Players
Running back Drew Engle has been a standout player this season, amassing a program-record 1,920 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. Engle, who has committed to play lacrosse at Army-West Point, also holds the career record for rushing yards at 4,037 and touchdowns at 36. In a remarkable performance against Susquehanna Township, he rushed for a career-high 281 yards.
Fellow running back Lucas Myers has also contributed significantly, with 1,147 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on just 119 carries, averaging an impressive 9.6 yards per carry.
Quarterback Maverik Foster has excelled in the passing game, leading all Lancaster-Lebanon League passers with a completion percentage of 70.7% (82 of 116), along with 16 touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Raiders have set a remarkable record by scoring 709 points this season, the highest in Berks County history. They have also dominated in various statistical categories, leading the league in total offense, total defense, scoring defense, and pass defense during the regular season. Their average of 50.6 points per game ranks second in the state, just behind Schuylkill Haven.
With 14 wins this season, Twin Valley has achieved the most victories in its program’s history, positioning itself as a formidable opponent for Southern Lehigh in the championship game. As the teams prepare for this historic clash, the excitement surrounding the matchup is palpable, with both sides eager to claim their first state title.
