I have nothing but love for Montoursville’s JC Keefer. The Warriors Head Football Coach and I have been friends for a long time. JC is an exceptional leader and a great teacher. He continues to find ways to bring out the best in all of his players. JC has a hard-nosed old school approach and his boys are always well coached.

Keefer’s 2019 Warriors are off to a solid start. They are currently 5-0 and in sole possession of first. Montoursville has a very talented roster that appears to be rolling in all three phases. Senior QB Hunter Shearer is having a great season. He recently became the second Warrior to reach 250 completions in a career. Montoursville’s defense is also outstanding. They are only allowing 125 yards per game. The play on special teams is just as impressive. It’s off the hook sports fans. A pair of dual sport athletes bring an interesting dynamic to this year’s squad.

Ian Plankenhorn and Colin Gorini are extremely busy in the fall. Balancing school with TWO varsity sports can be quite a chore. Besides handling all of the Warrior’s kicking duties, Ian and Colin are also members of the Montoursville Soccer team. These two youngsters are a huge part of the Warriors successes on the gridiron. They can both can boot it long and some consider them as the two best kickers in all of D4. Ian and Colin are actually interchangeable and that what makes them so unique. Their roles and responsibilities can sometimes change.

“Coach understands that we are soccer players first.” Ian Plankenhorn explained. “Colin and I get to over to practice a few nights a week. We really don’t know who will do what until the actual game. Coach watches us kick in pregame warmups and goes from there. I’ve been doing the field goals and extra points of late. Colin is handling the punting and kickoffs. It seems to be working.”

I’d say. Plankenhorn and Gorini have combined to make 76 out of 80 extra points over the past two seasons. That includes a perfect 32 for 32 here in 2019. They are also an incredible 8 for 11 on field goals. Colin kicked a 33 yard game winner against Selinsgrove last fall and Ian made a 31 and a 47 against Loyalsock. Dude? 47 yards? I wasn’t there but many have said his kick would’ve been good from 55 plus.

“Ian and Colin deserve a lot of credit.” Montoursville Coach Keefer added. “They both do a great job and it gives us an edge. The field goals and extra points are one thing. But being able to constantly pin the other team inside the 20 on our kickoffs and punts surely helps our defense.”

Having two phenomenal kickers has its perks. Both Ian and Colin can certainly boom it. Montoursville is a great team, but this talented kicking duo makes them complete. Against Loyalsock last week, the Lancers average start for the first five series was from the 16. Gorini was also brilliant and pinned the Lancers inside their own 10 on both of his punts.

“Ian and I have been best friends since kindergarten.” Colin Gorini said. “We compete with each other in everything. We both work hard and really push each other. It drives us to perform. But at the end of the day we are our biggest supporters. He has my back and I have his.”

“We go with whoever is kicking the best.” Coach Keefer continued. “They are both highly skilled and it all depends on the situation. There was a time when Colin was more consistent and Ian was booming it out of the end zone. We are able to make a change if things go the other way. I love having both guys, because they don’t feel the pressure like most. Colin was so happy for Ian when he nailed that 47 yarder. And when it’s Colin turn, Ian will be the first to congratulate him.”

Special thanks to Coach JC Keefer and his talented FOOTballers. Continued successes guys. Both plan on attending college. Ian is heading to nereby PCT and Colin is still undecided. Gorini scored two goals against Central Columbia this week and Plankenhorn’s solid defense helped secure the shutout. Great kids. Cheers.