Southern Lehigh and Twin Valley will meet for the first time in a PIAA football championship game, both teams seeking their inaugural state title. The highly anticipated match is set for 7 p.m. on March 15, 2024, at Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Field. Each team enters the game with a strong record and a determination to secure their place in history.
Twin Valley, representing Berks County, boasts an impressive 14-0 record, the first for any team from the region since Wilson-West Lawn achieved the same feat in 2014. Only five teams have reached an undefeated record prior to this season, with Wyomissing being the only one to complete a perfect 16-0 season en route to a state title in 2012.
Head coach Brett Myers has led the Raiders to a 40-10 record over four seasons. A graduate of Middletown, Myers previously spent eight years at his alma mater, amassing a commendable 73-22 record. Under his guidance, Twin Valley has risen to prominence, achieving a No. 1 state ranking since Week 10, despite entering the season unranked.
The Raiders have demonstrated dominance throughout the season, winning regular-season games by an average margin of 46 points, the largest in Berks County history. They have recorded ten mercy-rule victories and their only game decided by fewer than 20 points was a 28-24 win over District 7 champion Aliquippa.
In the District 3 championship game, Twin Valley claimed a 41-21 victory against Susquehanna Township, marking their first appearance and title in district finals. This victory has further solidified their status as a formidable contender.
Key players on the Twin Valley roster include running back Drew Engle, who has set a program record with 1,920 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns this season. Engle has accumulated a total of 4,037 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career, with a standout performance of 281 yards against Susquehanna Township. His teammate, running back Lucas Myers, adds to the offensive strength with 1,147 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.
Quarterback Maverik Foster leads the Lancaster-Lebanon League in passing with an impressive 70.7% completion rate (82 of 116 attempts), achieving 16 touchdowns without an interception. This offensive prowess has contributed to the Raiders scoring a record-breaking 709 points, the most in Berks County history.
Moreover, Twin Valley’s scoring average of 50.6 points per game ranks second in the state, trailing only Schuylkill Haven. With a total of 14 wins this season, they have established a new program record, showcasing their strength and skill on the field.
As Southern Lehigh prepares for this historic matchup, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable championship experience. The game not only represents a significant achievement for both teams but also highlights the growing competitive spirit in high school football across Pennsylvania.