Elizabethtown High quarterback Trent Kauffman has a few reasons he wants to do well this upcoming season.
First off, he’s entering his senior year, the last time he’ll suit up before graduating.
Then, there was last year’s 2-8 season, which Kauffman (top photo) almost entirely missed after suffering a broken fibula and torn ankle ligament in practice – after playing just one game.
“I’m excited,” the 17-year-old signal-caller says.
It’s a chance to end his high school career on a positive note, maybe even show colleges what he can do so he can keep playing next year and beyond: “So I’m going to continue to give it my all, no matter what.”
Kauffman’s enthusiasm is music to the ears of new E-town coach Tom Gallagher (below right), who comes to the Bears after compiling a 25-18 record in four seasons at Blue Mountain High School in Schuylkill Haven.
With team leaders like Kauffman showing the way, “we hope they can show up and give us everything they can for us to reach our full potential,” Gallagher says.
“What that looks like, we’re not quite sure yet, but I do feel confident with the work ethic our kids have shown, and I think we can get a little bit better each week – so I’m excited to see what this team can look like.”
Even with preseason practice just beginning, Gallagher already has been pleased by the leadership of seniors like Kauffman and Connor Frey, his left tackle.
“I’m really impressed with how quick our kids want to buy into what it is that we’re trying to do,” the coach says, “and their willingness to buy into our system and give everything that they can for our program.”
After the past two years at quarterback, Kauffman has already built a strong bond with his new coach: “I trust everything with him, and we have a really good relationship starting off this year. And I know the team trusts him as well.
“We all know he knows what he’s doing, he knows what he’s talking about, and he’s doing it the right way,” the quarterback adds.
Interior lineman Frey (below left) is also a senior, and he, too, wants to end his career on a good note.
“Trent has developed as a really good leader. It’s just a shame we didn’t get to play with him (very much) last year,” Frey says. “But with him this year, I think we’re going to have a really great start to the season.”
Frey, wearing a pair of ankle braces, also had some ankle injuries in 2024.
Gallagher, a former standout linebacker at Lebanon Valley College, has already seen the enthusiasm the E-town district has for its football team.
“There’s nothing like it, to have a town where everyone cares about the football program,” he says, smiling. “We want to make them proud and give them something to buy into.”
The support “definitely means a lot,” Kauffman adds.
LNP | LancasterOnline hosted Football Media Day at its downtown Lancaster office to connect local media with Lancaster-Lebanon League football players and coaches.
