Navy football commit Aris Drake of Twin Valley

Aris Drake didn't have to go far to learn more about Navy's football program.  He simply called Paul McClune, his former high school teammate.  "I talked to him a lot about going there and I'm certainly going to keep talking to him about it," Drake told SV Sports' Paul Roberts.  McClune and Drake played alongside each other last season on Twin Valley's offensive line.  McClune, an All-State selection, just started boot camp.  Drake will enroll in the Navy after finishing his senior year.  "It's how it sets you up for life after the academy. It really does benefit you so much after a couple years of service. It's something I couldn't pass up," explained Drake.  The 6'5, 295-pound left tackle is thrilled to be able to play football at the Division I level.  "It means the world because it's the sport I love...It's awesome to finally have it a reality," said Drake.  Raiders' head coach Brett Myers mentioned that Drake could see time at guard and tight end as well.  Drake and quarterback Evan Myers are both four-year starters.  Twin Valley went (10-2, 5-1) a season ago and shared the Section 3 championship in the Lancaster-Lebanon League with Ephrata and Garden Spot.  The Raiders are moving to Section 4 this year.  They've reached the District 3-4A semifinals the past two seasons.  Speedy running backs Drew Engle and Evan Johnson are back along with junior wide receiver Ben Grundy.  Engle and Johnson combined for 2,347 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in 2023.  Grundy had a team-high 27 catches for 505 yards.  Drake, who also plays basketball, will be joined up front by newcomer Carter Faubel (6'1, 280).  Twin Valley kicks off its season on Friday, August 23 at Berks Catholic.