‘It felt great’: RB Isaac Dollman’s return gives Mechanicsburg a confidence boost

Mechanicsburg's 11th victory might have been the most memorable yet.

All the Wildcats' captains were together again, competing for each other and a community that has stuffed John H. Frederick Field since August and provided unwavering love and support in the face of tragedy.

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Wouldn't you know it, senior running back and corner Isaac Dollman provided one of the biggest moments in that District 3 5A quarterfinal win over Cocalico

Dollman's 59-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter brought everyone to their feet.

"It felt great, knowing that my teammates would come out here and uplift me," said Dollman. "I knew they had my back, and I just trust them all the time."

Dollman's father, Andy, died suddenly on Oct. 18 of a heart attack. Minutes after the Wildcats defeated Hershey on that same night, the entire football team arrived at Dollman's house to provide hugs and condolences to the family.

Dollman returned to the field last week, inspiring all those who know him and his family best.

"He's one of our captains, so to have him back in the backfield is, well, he's such a great kid," said first-year head coach Dave Heckard.

"His father, his family, just top-notch people. To have him back is huge for us. It gives us that little extra confidence boost."

Dollman, of course, downplayed his touchdown run in favor of shining a bright light on his teammates, the ones who continue to grieve with him.

"I think we're just very well-rounded and our guys up front on both sides of the ball are just straight dogs," Dollman said. "Our coaches keep us so well-prepared, too."

Mechanicsburg returns to action Friday when the sixth-ranked Wildcats (11-0) host No. 7 Bishop McDevitt in a district semifinal. Once again, The Wildcats will be playing for each other.

"The whole situation has really tightened us up. It brought us together," Heckard said. "These guys are close, extremely close."