Nangle helps Exeter down Muhlenberg

Eric Nangle spent his hot summer days running the hills at Exeter.

The 5-10, 174-pound junior went full speed as many times as he could. He’d sprint to the top and take the long walk back.

Those were punishing training sessions with a singular goal in mind.

“I felt like I had to earn my spot,” Nangle said. “All summer I was putting in that work. Trying to help the team out.”

Nangle has become Exeter’s featured back. He had 11 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown to help the Eagles stop Muhlenberg 51-0 in a Berks Football League Section 1 football game at Laureldale Friday night.

Because it was such a blowout, this was a relatively light workload. Nangle was handed the ball 42 times and had 100-yard performances each of the first two weeks.

“I try to be an every down back,” he said. “Make the most of all my carries.”

Exeter leaned on Nangle for six rushing attempts on the opening drive, which was capped by J.R. Strauss’ 23-yard touchdown run.

Nangle scored his TD on a 13yard run in the second quarter.

“Eric has stepped up big for us in these first three games,” quarterback Gavin McCusker said. “We look for him to do the same for the rest of the season.

“He’s shifty, especially in the box. He takes the handoff and he’s able to make moves on the line of scrimmage. He’s able to hit the hole really hard.”

Exeter showed off some of its deep collection of scoring threats against Muhlenberg (0-2, 0-3).

Gio Nowotarski had a 60-yard punt return for a score. Joey Schlaffer caught a 69-yard TD pass from backup quarterback Colin Payne.

Exeter (1-0, 3-0) built a 30-0 lead by halftime and invoked the running clock early in the third quarter.

It was the easiest of the Eagles’ three wins to date and it allowed them to rest some starters heading into a Week 4 showdown at Gov. Mifflin.

“With the shortened preseason and everything else, I think we’re starting to hit our stride,” McCusker said. “We’re hitting our stride going into the biggest game right now.”

Nangle had some unusual free time in the second half. Instead of carrying the ball, he was able to watch and cheer on teammates like Ty Yonas.

Several junior varsity players had their turn to shine.

“I just watched the JVs and supported them,” Nangle said. “Let them do what they wanted to do. Show love for them.”

It wasn’t long ago that Nangle was one of those JVs. He has graduated to the big leagues through sheer hard work.

Those hills made him faster and stronger. They were definitely worth it.

“I knew what I wanted,” Nangle said. “I wanted that starting spot.”