Berks Catholic LB/RB Connor Pennington

Most teenagers aren't arriving at their high school at 5:45am on a Wednesday in July.  Then again, most high school students can't lift weights like Connor Pennington.  The rising senior at Berks Catholic is only 170 pounds, but don't be fooled by his size.  Pennington power cleans 320 pounds, bench presses 335, and squats 405.  "I think it's one of the most important things to get ready, get strong for the season," he said.  The 5'11 OLB/RB started weightlifting seriously when he was twelve years old.  Pennington piled up 62 tackles and 5 TFL last year.  The Saints' streak of eleven consecutive winning seasons came to an end.  Berks Catholic has claimed four District 3 titles in the twelve years since Holy Name merged with Central Catholic.  Pennington told Paul Roberts of SV Sports that their (5-6) record in 2022 motivates the senior class tremendously.  The Saints were one of thirteen teams from Berks County that joined the Lancaster-Lebanon League a season ago.  Berks Catholic is part of a highly competitive Section 4 that includes Wyomissing, Cocalico, and Lampeter-Strasburg.  The Spartans and Eagles won District 3 championships last year.  Pennington didn't mind changing leagues.  He replied, "I'm cool with it. I think we're gonna do fine."  Pennington will be part of a very good corps of linebackers this fall.  Luke Impellizzeri and Devin Garcia both return at inside linebacker.  Impellizzeri led the Saints with 86 tackles last season.  Garcia racked up 75 tackles, 6 TFL, and 2 INT.  Pennington expects Joey Polinsky and Bryce Gumby to make big strides.  William Hess returns at quarterback after completing 63% of his passes for 875 yards and 10 TD.  Berks Catholic will need to replace Wilkes commit JayJay Jordan who ran for 1,217 yards and twenty scores as a senior.  Jordan had a team-high 6 INT at cornerback.  Pennington hopes that all of his hard work in the weight room and on the field will result in an opportunity to play college football.  "It's one of my biggest goals," he stated.  Pennington is also putting in work at the breakfast table.  He mentioned that he eats 18 pancakes every Saturday!