Exeter’s seniors set example for future
Ty Yocum and the other Exeter seniors didn’t want to leave the field Friday night at Bald Eagle Area High School.
They knew their high school football careers had ended with a 49-14 loss to PennTrafford in the PIAA Class 5A semifinals, the furthest any Eagles team had advanced. They tried to squeeze every last moment of their time together.
With tears streaming down his face, Yocum hugged everybody wearing Exeter colors, whether it was teammates, coaches, managers or parents.
As Yocum and J.R. Strauss embraced, one of their younger teammates approached them.
“You showed us the way,” he told Yocum and Strauss with emotion and colorful language. “We’re not going to let you down.”
Fifteen Exeter seniors played their final game, but their impact will be felt for years to come at Reiffton.
They’re the most accomplished senior class in the program’s history, going 31-15 in four seasons, reaching two District 3 title games and finally winning their first championship this year.
Beyond their on-field success, the seniors set an example with their undying commitment to be great.
“I don’t even have the words to explain what they meant to this program,” Eagles coach Matt Bauer said. “We talk all the time about plateauing. This senior group pushed us over the top of the mountain, that’s for sure.
“They set such a high standard for all the players to follow. I’m thankful to have them.”
Having strong senior leadership always has been treasured by Bauer, who has had 11 consecutive winning seasons. He has said he believes it forms the foundation of any successful team.
Yocum, Strauss, Colin Payne and Sam Orzolek were the captains this year.
“Each one of them brings a unique style of leadership that’s completely different from the other,” Bauer said. “J.R. is probably the quietest leader I’ve ever had. He’s my leader by example. Everything he does is 100%. He never questions a thing. He’s the first one in every drill.”
Orzolek, a tackle on offense and defense, is an unsung hero. He knows what he’s supposed to do and when to do it. In the aftermath of Exeter’s historic victory at Gov. Mifflin for the district title, Orzolek did what he always does.
“He was the last one out of the visiting locker room making sure everything was spotless before we left,” Bauer said. “That just doesn’t happen with a lot of kids.”
Payne, a quarterback, waited his turn behind Gavin McCusker and didn’t become a starter until this year. He was a large part of Exeter’s success, passing for 2,381 yards and 23 touchdowns.
In his final game, however, he threw four interceptions and lost a fumble, which PennTrafford converted into 31 points. He didn’t hide afterwards; he stood up, answered questions and shouldered blame. He showed maturity beyond his years.
“Colin could have started for many other teams in the county the last two years,” Bauer said. “He showed loyalty by waiting his turn. He’s such a competitor. The kids rally around him and hate to let him down.”
Bauer has called the captains unselfish and accountable. Perhaps none personifies that better than Yocum, a fullback and linebacker whose two older brothers also played for Exeter. He’s been a role model for Bauer’s 13-year-old son, Chase.
“I’m very thankful to be his coach,” Bauer said of Yocum. “I’m very thankful that my son has been able to see the type of player he’s become and been around him for his entire career. I don’t think you’ll find a better mentor than Ty Yocum.”
The captains and their classmates weren’t solely responsible for Exeter playing football in December for the first time, but their younger teammates followed their lead.
“I don’t think we’ve ever been this close as a group,” said Strauss, a tight end and linebacker. “We changed the entire culture of Exeter football. It’s really going to change the program throughout the (coming) years.” Bauer won’t soon forget them.
“The hardest part about tonight is saying goodbye to these seniors,” he said. “I love them all. They’ve given so much to the program. A lot of them are irreplaceable in my heart.”