2023 Schuylkill/Colonial League Preview: *RED* Division

Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 11, News

Daniel Reed | August 24, 2023

2023 SCHUYLKILL/COLONIAL LEAGUE PREVIEW
*RED DIVISION*

2022 RED Division Standings

This RED division preview is going to be fun, yet tough as well. Many good, all around teams play in this class. Who’s ready to dive in ?

North Schuylkill Spartans
Head Coach: Walter *Wally* Hall(11th season, 88-28-0)

10 seasons, 10 winning records, 10 playoff appearances… the Spartans look to go 11 of 11 for head coach Wally Hall as they return a slew of players all both sides of the ball. A tough schedule will prove their worthiness !

Key Games: @Mount Carmel(Aug. 25), Blue Mountain(Sept. 1), Northern Lehigh(Sept. 22), ND-GP(Sept. 29), Jim Thorpe(Oct. 6), @Palmerton(Oct. 13), and finally @Pottsville(Oct. 27). If that’s not a rough schedule, I don’t know what is !

Players to Watch: Jaxson Chowansky-RB, Sander Stokes-OL, Luke Stefanisko-OL, Zander McElhenny-WR, Neekoli Carabolla-DE, Caden Mengel-QB/ATH.

Key Players Returning: Trevor Minalda-QB, Collin Stanakis-WR, Collin McGee-WR, Joey Flail-WR, Luke Miller-DB, Aiden Zilker-OL.

Key Newcomers: Nolan Ryan-OL, Jake Bernosky-OL, Julian Lapointe-OL, Gavin Wall, Kaden Knox-OL, Kevin Jones-TE, Ricky Halford-RB.

Words from Head Coach *Wally* Hall:
We return a strong nucleus of players with game experience. Special teams will be a key strength with our kicker. We did have to replace three offensive linemen. We must not allow ourselves to have any distractions.

What to Expect:
What to expect from the Spartans is nothing but something special. The return of skilled players on this team will be necessary with the schedule they will have to power through. Special teams will definitely play a roll for this team to get into the playoffs for the 11th straight year under Coach Hall. Can’t wait to see how this all plays out.

North Schuylkill Spartans Schedule

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Notre Dame-Green Pond Crusaders
Head Coach: Phil Stambaugh(8th season, 61-19-0)

Like the Spartans, the Crusaders have had winning seasons in every season under Coach Stambaugh, 8 straight playoff appearances as well. The Crusaders look to get back to the playoffs and get some revenge on the Tigers who eliminated them.

Key Games: @Palmerton(Sept. 22), @North Schuylkill(Sept. 29), Northern Lehigh(Oct. 6), @Jim Thorpe(Oct. 13).

Players to Watch: Danny Darno-QB, Josh Ludlow-WR/RB/DB/P, James Wisecarver-WR/DB, AJ Lozano-WR/DB.

Key Returning Players: Danny Darno, Josh Ludlow, James Wisecarver, AJ Lozano, Dainn Vassallo-RB/TE, Jack Cameron-OL, Julian Baker-WR, Anthony Crisafulli-OL, Christian Rivituso-RB, Austin Casal-OL, Michael Manlove-DE, John Paul Pierce-DE, Brenden Ferraro-LB, Faustie Capobianco-K.

Key Newcomers: WR-Alex Clark, WR/DB-Jaysen Blacknall-Farmer, LB-Jacoby Jacobs, QB-Matt Bodnar, WR/DB-Nino Morici, WR/DB-Carmine Diaz, DB-Gavin Hoff, OL/DL-Sammy Raneri, OL/DL-Cameron Coulter, LB-DE-Brett Bruckman, LB-DE-Christian Trautwein, DB-Devin Akrie, OL/DL-Brayden Quigley, OL/DL-Logan Hancik, OL/DL-JJ Trimmer, OL/DL-Tom Kosiba, OL/DL-Josh Scherer, OL/DL-Noah Snyder, WR/DB-Chay Lawless, WR/DB-Clemente Cintron, WR/DB-Kellen Binstead, RB/LB-Aaron Gordon, RB/LB-John Hull, WR/DB-Berkley Weidner, DB-Robbie Wendland.

Words from Head Coach Phil Stambaugh:
We have a strong group of returners on both sides of the ball this season. We are looking forward to the upcoming season and have been challenging ourselves in the off-season and pre-season. We want to build off our success from last season. Our schedule is challenging once again and we know we have to play well week in and week out to get to where we want to be at the end of the year which is competing for a birth into the state playoffs.

What to Expect:
I would have to expect the Crusaders will contend for the District Title with all the position players returning. The schedule will play its part in how the Crusaders get back to the playoffs for the 9th straight season under Coach Stambaugh.

2023 Notre Dame-Green Pond Crusaders Schedule

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Palmerton Blue Bombers
Head Coach: Chris Walkowiak(13th season, 57-70-0)

Going for their 4th straight District XI playoff appearance under Coach Walkowiak. The Blue Bombers have reach the DXI playoffs in 6 of 12 seasons under the coach as well.

Key Games: Palisades(Sept. 8), @Jim Thorpe(Sept. 15), ND-GP(Sept. 22), North Schuylkill(Oct. 13), @Northern Lehigh(Oct. 27).

Players to Watch: Trace Stahler-LB/DL/WR, Matt Machalik-QB/DB, Ty Sander-RB/LB/Slot, Bryce Marino-WR/LB, Clayton Christman-OL/DL.

Key Players Returning: Stephen Jones-RB/Slot/DB, Zack Anthony-OL/DL, Alex Konze-OL/DL, Emilio Gonzalez-LB, Logan Anthony-OL/DL, Beau Stahler-OL.

Key Newcomers: Jameson Trainer-LB/WR, Trace Stahler-LB/DL/WR, Jackson Stein-LB/WR, Alex Keiper-WR/DB,
James Mack-LB/RB, Brady Kester-OL/DL, Aidan Ortiz-WR/DB.

Words from Head Coach Chris Walkowiak:
“Keys to having a successful year as always is staying healthy especially for a smaller school.”

Offense: Skill wise we are led by a very experienced QB that possesses tremendous dual threat abilities. Matt Machalik’s experience will be relied upon along with the help of our other skill players who will need to step up and replace 3 very productive receivers we have lost to graduation. We have a very nice group of skill players in Ty Sander, Stephen Jones, Bryce Marino, Jameson Trainer, Alex Keiper to name a few that will be up to the task as most have Friday night experience. Our OL returns intact from last season, as we have a good blend of experience with our seniors and youth with the guys in the trenches. Zack Anthony is a 4 year returning starter up front and has help from 3 year starters in Clayton Christman and Alex Konze. Our young guys started as freshmen last season which speaks volumes for Logan Anthony and Beau Stahler. All lineman have been battle tested and we look forward to them leading the charge this year.

Defense: We return 9 players on defense that were permanent starters last season or started in multiple games.

Special Teams: We will look to solidify the kicking game and be consistent in point after attempts. With a small school, we will need all players to be ready to answer the call to make our special team units successful.

What to Expect from the Blue Bombers:
Expect Palmerton to contend once again for the District Title, of course they’ll have to get past North Schuylkill and Northern Lehigh to win their first DXI Title under Coach Walkowiak. We all know about the quarterback and the arm he has, he will have to be the leader and lead his team to the playoffs.

2023 Palmerton Blue Bombers Schedule

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Northern Lehigh Bulldogs
Head Coach: Joe Tout(18th season, 114-79-1)

The two-time defending District XI Champions lost a few skilled players that will make it tough for the Bulldogs to win their 3rd straight but, Joe Tout has been here before as his record over the last 17 years has been pretty solid.

Key Games: @Northwestern Lehigh(Aug. 31), @North Schuylkill(Sept. 22), @Notre Dame-Green Pond(Oct. 6), Jim Thorpe(Oct. 20), Palmerton(Oct. 27).

Players to Watch: Bailey Smith-WR, Jack Tosh-FB, Ayden Oswald-QB.

Key Players Returning: OL-Jackson VanNorman, OL-Brody Dye Sr, OL-Landon Moll, FB-Jack Tosh.

Key Newcomers: WR-Bailey Smith, RB-Grady Newhard, QB-Ayden Oswald Jr, OL-Cyrus Kinchen, TE-Chase Moffitt, OL-Zach Lehman, RB-Reese Lipsky.

Words from Head Coach Joe Tout:

Offensive Outlook – We lost 90% of our offensive output with our graduating skill players. We feel the strength of our offense will be our offensive line. We return three starters and Sam Frame Jr. who started as a sophomore. Our success will depend upon our skill players who will be newcomers. Our quarterback Ayden Oswald had a great off-season and has experience at the position from last season. We will rely heavily on three running backs: Jack Tosh, Grady Newhard, and Resse Lipsky. We expect to be a heavy run team with the experience of our offensive line.

We lost several multi years starters that will be tough to replace. We feel confident in our front seven. We have several players returning will significant playing time. Our Secondary has two starters returning and we have several skill players who will compete for time.

What to Expect:
With the loss of most their offense, and the skilled players not getting a lot of attention last season, the Bulldogs could contend for a playoff appearance. Coach Tout is a very good coach and will definitely have his team ready to play each and every week. There could even be a surprise victory thrown in the mix with how tough the schedules are in this division.

2023 Northern Lehigh Bulldogs Schedule

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Jim Thorpe Olympians-Class 3A
Head Coach: Mark Rosenberger(26th season, ??-??-??)

It was a rough and tough season for the Olympians last season, giving up an unusual 27+ average points per game. This season should be much better.

Key Games: @Blue Mountain(Rotary Field, Schuylkill Haven Aug. 25), Palmerton(Sept. 15), @North Schuylkill(Oct. 6), ND-GP(Oct. 13), @Northern Lehigh(Oct. 20), and finally, of course the 209 game vs Lehighton(Oct. 27).

Players to Watch: Noah Rosahac-DT/T, Cole Lazorick-QB/CB, Conner Miller-WR/CB, Salvatore Capria-RB/OLB, Justin Yescavage-WR/FS, Hayden Hurn-K/P.

What to Expect from the Olympians:
Jim Thorpe has the big man Rosahac returning on both sides of the line. He will definitely be one of the team’s leaders this season as well as returning RB-Savatore Capria. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be a big part of the teams success this year. Possible playoff contender and most definitely will be a spoiler for some team down the road.

2023 Jim Thorpe Olympians Schedule

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Tamaqua Blue Raiders
Head Coach: Sam Bonner(17th season, 98-75-0)

Tamaqua enters this season winners of just 11 game the last 3 seasons. Making the playoffs however in the last 7 straight years, winning the District XI title once back in 2019 when they made it as far as the State Semi-Final game. Six out of those 7 straight playoff appearances by the Blue Raiders, they have exited after the first round. Will that change this year… Let’s find out !!

Key Games: @ND-GP(Sept. 8), North Schuylkill(Sept. 14), Jim Thorpe(Sept. 29), Northern Lehigh(Oct. 12), @Palmerton(Oct. 20).

Players to Watch: Conner Dillan-WR/DB, Damon Sell-WR/DB, Michael Styka-OT/DE, Luke Kane-QB.

Key Players Returning: Luke Kane-QB/LB, Bradley WhalenRB/DT, Jacob Hehn-RB/DE, Damon Sell-WR/DB, Conner Dillon-WR/DB, Declan Coleman-TE 6-4, Michael Styka-OT/DE, Matt Welsh-OG, Luke Frohnheiser-C/LB, Tyler Koch-LB, Victor Schlosser-DB, Devin Sell DB.

Key Newcomers: Declan Frantz-OG/DT, Malachi Stewart-OG, Brady McCabe-WR/LB, Isaiah Davis-TE/DL, Scott Case-DB, Johnathan Knepper-DB.

Words from Head Coach Sam Bonner:
We are looking build on multiple returning starters on both sides of the ball to have an above .500 record and get back into the District 11 playoffs.

What to Expect:
With just a few key returning starters, the Blue Raiders will be in the mix but will eventually end near the middle of the pack.

2023 Tamaqua Blue Raiders Schedule

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Pine Grove Area Cardinals
Head Coach: Dave Shiffer(2nd season, 3-8-0)

Pine Grove enters this season very optimistic returning a flock of players from last years team.

Key Games: Every game for the Cardinals is going to be a key game.

Players to Watch: RB-Lane Lehman, WR-Brody Ibarra, OL-Hunter McConnell, WR-Robby Schaeffer.

Key Players Returning: OL-Tyler Sleva, OL-Brennden Etzweiler, OL-Hunter McConnell, OL-Xaviar Yeagley, WR-Robbie Schaeffer, WR-Brody Ibarra, LB-Lane Lehman, DB-Evan Karenda, DE/HB-Wyatt Snyder, NG-Tyler Nein, H-Alec Osatchuck.

Key Newcomers: DB/WR-Ryan Boyer, HB/DL-Colin Haddock, DB/WR-Gage Lewis, DB-Ashton Salen, DB-Riley Suth, OL James Barra, WR/DB-Teagan Schneck-Haines.

Words from Head Coach Dave Shiffer:
“We are looking to continue to build our program and improve upon last year. We took a step by earning an Eastern Conference birth and gained valuable experience from that.”

Offensively we return four seniors with starting experience along the offensive line. Our fifth offensive lineman gained valuable experience as a rotational player last season as a freshman. We are looking for our experienced front to pave the way for Lane Lehman to have another successful year as our feature back. We have several athletes we will look to get the ball to in different ways including returning leading receiver, Robbie Schaeffer. We will look to provide more balance to our offensive attack with senior Evan Karenda looking to lead the way at QB.

Defensively we are looking to put ourselves in positions to succeed. We are looking to be aggressive and force turnovers. We are an alignment and assignment-based defense that needs everyone to do their job to be successful. We have experience in the box defensively that will provide a strong nucleus for our defense. Sophomore Wyatt Snyder returns at DE after leading the team in sacks as a freshman. Leading tackler Lane Lehman will look to be an impact player again this year defensively.
We have a very strong K/P returning in Evan Karenda. Evan worked hard at improving his craft this offseason and is someone we can count on to help us get points or gain an advantage in the field position aspect of the game.

What to Expect:
I do expect much improvement in the Cardinals. Give them another 2 years as long as Coach Shiffer is able to continue.

2023 Pine Grove Area Cardinals Schedule

Salisbury Township Falcons
Head Coach: Andrew Cerco(19th season, 52-123-0)

Last 3 seasons have been tough for the Falcons as they sport a 5-23-0 record, going 0-10-0 in 2022. Shall the Falcons get back into the win column in 2023, we shall see.

Key Games: Like the Cardinals, every game is going to be key for the Falcons if they want to contend.

Players to Watch: QB-Jacob Bucchin, RB-Derek Trinidad, OL-Sam Krauss, K/P-Gavin Cerco.

Key Players Returning: QB-Jacob Bucchin, FB-George Spann, WR-Gavin Cerco, OL-Andrew Nemeh, RB-Derek Trinidad, RB-Jason St. Leger, OL-Sam Krauss, DB-Dominic Popovich, Kicker/Punter-Gavin Cerco.

Key Newcomers: WR/DB-Jamanni Cruz, FB/OLB-Jacob Watson, OL/DL-Griffin Lakics, RB/LB-Jordan Tocci.

Words from Head Coach Andrew Cerco:
Offensively, the Falcons will rely on rising Senior Jacob Bucchin at Quarterback to operate the offense. Key playmakers will be George Spann, Gavin Cerco, Derek Trinidad, Jason St. Leger, and Jamanni Cruz. The Falcons will lean on the offensive line led by Sam Krauss and Andrew Nemeh.
Defensively, the Falcons will look to take a step forward from the 2022 campaign with an experienced defensive unit led by George Spann at middle linebacker. Jacob Bucchin, Gavin Cerco, Dominic Popovich, Derek Trinidad, Jason St. Leger, and Sam Krauss all contributed during the 2022 season.
Special Teams, Gavin Cerco and Jacob Watson have demonstrated growth in the kicking game and will continue to develop in that area.

What to Expect from the Falcons:
Salisbury plays in an extremely competitive league and with that, if they can stay healthy, the Falcons will be prepared well for the postseason.

2023 Salisbury Township Falcons Schedule

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My Predictions:
1. North Schuylkill Spartans
2. Notre Dame-Green Pond Crusaders
3. Palmerton Blue Bombers
4. Jim Thorpe Olympians
5. Northern Lehigh Bulldogs
6. Salisbury Township Falcons
7. Tamaqua Blue Raiders
8. Pine Grove Area Cardinals

2023 PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT XI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON SCHEDULE

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