Exeter's seniors leave a winning legacy on the football field
Nov. 26—There were a few hugs and certainly some tears on the home sideline at Don Thomas Stadium on Friday in the minutes following Exeter's 34-14 loss to Cocalico in the District 3 Class 5A championship game.
It wasn't the ending any of the players wearing the black uniforms envisioned, not for a program that has become among the district's best in recent years.
And not for a senior class that leaves quite a legacy after helping lift the Eagles to unprecedented heights.
"They're one of the hardest-working groups I've ever been a part of," Exeter coach Matt Bauer said. "The leadership they provided this year was astounding. They all stepped up after last year. They wanted to create their own identity, and I truly believe they did that. I see a lot of those captains and seniors have been in this program for four years and it's amazing the growth that we've seen and the way they've stepped up in huge games, and continue to propel our program.
"I'm just heartbroken it had to end this way. But you know, tonight, too many mistakes. I'm responsible for that. So I take full responsibility. I wish I could have done more for them."
Here's an outline of what those seniors — there were 18 listed on the roster — have done for Exeter football.
They helped the Eagles win the first district title in program history a year ago, then followed that by leading the team to the 2022 Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 title, the No. 2 seed in the district playoffs and a 12-0 record before Friday's loss to 12th-seeded Cocalico (10-4). They compiled a 37-10 record in their four seasons, making them the winningest class in program history, according to Bauer.
"It really hurts," senior tight end Joey Schlaffer said of Friday's loss, "but I think overall when we look back and reflect on what we accomplished over the four years, I think there's a lot to be proud of. There's a lot of fond memories that we made and a lot of really special moments that the average kid wouldn't necessarily be able to experience."
Schlaffer, who finished his senior season with 38 catches for 879 yards and nine touchdowns, will begin his college career at Penn State in January as an early enrollee, but doesn't think he'll ever forget his Exeter teammates.
"The kids in our class, man, I got a lot of love for them," he said. "I mean, throughout life, I know we're gonna stay close. I'm gonna carry that with me. Way past high school, way past college. I think that's really the biggest takeaway, the friendships and relationships that I made."
Anthony Caccese, a senior lineman, remembers those relationships beginning back when he was a little kid playing youth football.
"This is a great senior class and I feel like all these guys really deserve more than this," Caccese said. "Last year, we really set the tone with the first district 'ship. I think we really should have come out here and did it again, maybe even took it further."
Exeter just couldn't find its footing Friday. Whenever the Eagles seemed to get a bit of momentum, they made a mistake.
Still, one bad night shouldn't diminish all that Exeter, led by its seniors, was able to achieve.
"You're never going to get these days back and I think all our guys did a really good job of understanding that this time is priceless and we enjoyed every day of it," Schlaffer said.
Caccese, as well as fellow seniors Lucas Palange and Kyle Lash, were part of an offensive line that powered a running game, led by senior Richie Karstien, that averaged 222.7 yards per game and 6.1 per carry.
Karstien, who had 83 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries Friday, finished with 1,585 yards and 22 TDs on 234 carries. It's worth noting that he had no carries coming into this season, as he played offensive tackle and tight end last year.
Mason Rotelli was another senior who stepped up. As a first-year starter at quarterback, he completed 94-for-153 passes for 1,561 yards and 21 touchdowns with eight interceptions.
Defensively, the Eagles allowed just 2.9 yards per carry.
"Hard work pays off," Caccese said. "When you go and you put in the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears at practice every day, you're gonna come out a better player. You're gonna get better. That's what I think I'll really take away from playing on this team, playing for these coaches."
Bauer mentioned that at the beginning of the season some people doubted what this senior class would be able to do. They had a tough act to follow as Exeter's 2021 seniors were a talented and accomplished group.
"After last year, everyone thought that we couldn't do it again and they took hold of the reins and continued to move forward," Bauer said. "They just love to play together.
"I'm just proud of them. I love them. And I wish I could have done more for them."
