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Eleven to watch in 2011: Kaden Hepler


In our continued attempts to stave off the summer lull -- and to keep this blog something resembling fresh -- we bring you a new series: The 11 YAIAA football players you need to watch in 2011. Each day for the next week and a half, we'll feature another of the league's most promising talents. Think we missed somebody? Chime in using the comments section. By their own lofty standards, 2010 seemed a rather pedestrian season for the West York Bulldogs. Yes, they went 8-3 and won another YAIAA Division II title. But West York was nipped at home in the first-round of the District 3-AAA playoffs by a dangerous Cocalico team that got healthy at the right time. The Bulldogs hopes for another playoff run were gone. Still, the season had plenty of bright spots, the biggest of which was the development of quarterback Kaden Hepler. In his first varsity start, Hepler torched Central York for 191 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 1 victory. He kept improving from there. Hepler finished with 1,573 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. His completion percentage (55.4) was just a touch under Klinefelter's. He's the latest in a line of skilled, successful quarterbacks to emerge under Bulldogs coach Ron Miller. Hepler could certainly play college football if he wanted to. But he is a three-sport athlete, and in particular stands out as a potential pitching prospect. Regardless, West York has to feel good going into this season, knowing it has nothing to worry about at the most important position on the field. 2010 statsPassing 102-184 (.554), 1,576 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs Rushing 60 carries, 57 yards, 0.95 avg, 1 TD