There will be one big change in Section 1 of the L-L League this fall:
Lancaster Catholic, which jumped from Section 3 to Section 1 two years ago, wrapped up a 2-season cycle and the Crusaders are heading down to Section 2 this fall.
For the first time since 1980, Conestoga Valley will call Section 1 home. The Buckskins competed in Section 1 from 1972 to 1980, winning championships in 1972 — the first year of the L-L — and 1974.
So it’s goodbye Lancaster Catholic and hello Conestoga Valley.
How do you think Section 1 will shake down this season?
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Here’s a quick refresher course about how the Section 1 race finished in 2013:
Wilson (7-0, 12-1) — Bulldogs ran their L-L winning streak to 43 games in a row and won their seventh Section 1 title in a row. Wilson lost some studs. But it’s the Bulldogs; they reload in West Lawn, gang.
Penn Manor (5-2, 9-3) — Another solid season for the Comets, including a near miss at Wilson. And the Bulldogs foiled the Comets — again — in the playoffs. QB Tanner Erisman is back. Opener is Aug. 29 vs. Cedar Cliff — in Dublin, Ireland.
Hempfield (5-2, 8-4) — Black Knights got hot late, winning five in a row, including a victory over Central Dauphin in the first round of the District 3-AAAA playoffs. Playmakers Devin Washington, Will Blair are due back.
Manheim Township (3-4, 5-6) — Blue Streaks yielded 56 points to Hempfield in the regular-season finale, but made the district playoffs with a .500 mark. Knocked out by section rival Wilson in the first round.
Cedar Crest (2-5, 3-7) — Falcons’ offense was pesky, but D yielded too much. Newbie coach Rob Wildasin ready for his first season in south Lebanon.
Warwick (1-6, 3-7) — Warriors’ lone section win was vs. winless McCaskey, after a promising 2-1 start.
McCaskey (0-7, 0-10) — An otherwise forgettable season in Tornado Alley, as the Red Tornado was at or near the bottom of the league in every major statistical category. Coach Rob Monzon looking for a turnaround — stat.
Conestoga Valley (2-5 Section 2, 2-8) — Welcome aboard, Bucks. Year 2 with Mark Pieters at the helm, as Conestoga Valley navigates Section 1 for the first time in 34 years.