Hempfield football coach George Eager

In a short period of time, George Eager has made a big imprint on the Hempfield football program.  The Black Knights went (9-3, 6-0) last year and captured their first Section 1 championship in the Lancaster-Lebanon League since 2005.  It was their first outright section title in 28 years!  "That is the single biggest athletic accomplishment that I've ever been a part of. I'm very proud of it," Eager told SV Sports' Paul Roberts.  Hempfield knocked off Manheim Township and Wilson in Eager's third season at the helm.  The Black Knights lost nine defensive starters to graduation, as well as leading rusher Grant Hoover (970 yards).  The good news is that USC commit Deyvid Palepale returns up front.  The 6'3, 320-pound rising senior had 39 tackles, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries a season ago.  "Deyvid is a genetic freak. He moves like a kid that might be 280 or 270. [He's] very athletic, smart football player. He's so kindhearted and articulate. He's got a bright future outside of football," said Eager.  Quarterback Jackson Landis and wide receiver Micah Gates are preparing for their senior campaigns.  Landis threw for 1,767 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022.  Gates finished with a team-high 40 receptions and four scores.  Landis will be looking for some new targets this fall.  Andy Garcia, Julian Morales, and Gabe Benjamin have moved on.  That trio combined for 80 catches and 9 TD.  This will be the second season for the new Lancaster-Lebanon League.  Thirteen Berks County teams joined the league last year.  "We know that Berks County has great football. There's no doubt about that. I thought that it was a great addition," stated Eager.  We also know that the Black Knights are marching in the right direction.