TOWAMENCIN – Ever since his first game freshman year, there was no denying that he belonged under the lights every Friday night. Ryan Zeltt is now in his third starting season and is currently leading the Knights into the football playoffs.

After playing two seasons as Penndale Middle School’s quarterback, it was clear Zeltt had the potential to achieve greatness. Starting off his high school career in 2019, Zeltt had no idea he would be pushed into the spotlight so soon. It wasn’t until starting quarterback Kolby Barrow suffered an injury early in the season that Zeltt had to step up for the team and put on his game face.

“I was obviously nervous, but I had a really good team around me, so I didn’t have to do too much, but for experience-wise, it helped me a lot,” Zeltt said.

Without much warning, Zeltt had to embrace a leadership role that comes along with being a quarterback. Taking on this big of a role, the pressure was on for Zeltt, but he took that pressure and turned it into motivation.

“Obviously it was a lot of pressure, but I had a bunch of people around me who helped me to where I didn’t have to carry all the weight. They did a really good job of it, so that really helped the team out,” Zeltt stated. “I got the first few games under my belt, so I felt more smooth going into my next couple years.”

Due to Covid, last year’s season for the Knights got cut short. Not only was this a loss for the seniors, but it was also a loss for Zeltt along with the rest of the team. With Crawford Stadium being fully renovated and a full season this year, Zeltt was more than ecstatic to suit up and get back on the field.

“Last year was weird. I could hear myself making the calls and it was just so quiet. You know that’s not football. You need to have the fans there and it just makes it a lot better. Everyone enjoys it more,” Zeltt said. “You ask anyone that’s on the team it’s so much better. Last year we had to play on the old turf, which was so weird but the new turf is just awesome. It’s such a nice stadium and all the fans back make it a great atmosphere.”

Zeltt and the Knights finished a perfect regular season on Friday night, defeating CB South and posting a 10-0 record heading into the District 1 tournament this week. Less than a week from today Zeltt will be playing in his first playoff game.

“We’re ready for it. We’re gonna try to make a good run, we’re in a good spot and we are ready. Everyone is super pumped up,”  Zeltt stated.

“I think I’ve gained some really good friendships from it and I’ve learned that you gotta work hard to see results,” Zeltt said.