Manheim Twp. RB/LB Declan Clancy
Declan Clancy is known as one of the toughest players in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. That toughness was instilled at an early age. Declan and his brother learned how to box from their dad. "There was some blood when we were younger, some tears. It was always a good competition," Clancy told Paul Roberts of SV Sports. The standout running back and linebacker rumbled for 1,181 yards a season ago. He ran for 14 touchdowns and scored four more times through the air. The 5'10, 195-pound rising senior was named the Linebacker of the Year in Section 1 after making 82 tackles. The Blue Streaks went unbeaten in league play and (12-1) overall. They reached the District 3-6A championship before falling to Harrisburg 34-28 in overtime. There were 19 seniors on Manheim Township's roster last season. "We graduated a lot, but we also brought back a lot," said Clancy. All-State quarterback Hayden Johnson and All-State receiver Landon Kennel have moved on to Lehigh and Monmouth respectively. However, the Blue Streaks return their entire offensive line including Thomas Capizzi. They averaged 388 total yards and 44 points per game in 2023. Mark Evans enters his 13th year at the helm with a mark of (100-41). Manheim Township kicks off its season at Cumberland Valley on August 23rd. "It's always exciting when Friday nights roll back around," replied Clancy.