Schuylkill/Colonial Blue Division 2024 Outlook
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 11, News
Daniel Reed | August 23, 2024
SCHUYLKILL/COLONIAL BLUE DIVISION OUTLOOK
Mahanoy Area
Head Coach: David Holman
2023 Record: 4-7
The Golden Bears have some experience returning this year. Coach Holman has his QB, Levi Terry and a nice stable of backs to lean on. It’s a tough division this year.
Coach Holman says “Nice group of upperclassmen with a good bit of playing experience. Must stay healthy.
Returning Players: Levi Terry QB/DB 6’0” 150 SR Kyler Quick FB/LB 6’1” 190 JR Brian Gallagher FB/TE/LB6’1” 210 SR Aiden Bowman RB/DB 6’0 170 SR Mike Oblas RB/DB 5’10” 150 SR Kaiden Komosinsky OL/DL 6’2” 210 SR Kyle Pollack OL/DL 6’1” 215 SR
Newcomers: Joe Rick RB/QB/LB Braylon Komosinsky OL/DL
Marian Catholic
Head Coach: Billy O’Gurek (new)
2023 Record: 7-5
When you replace a legendary coach, you better produce or the fans will revolt. The Colts have the parts for new head coach O’Gurek to do so, starting with Buffalo commit Michael Gelatko at TE/DE. New QB Dylan Rodino OR Nick Shigo will have a veteran line to play behind and with Gelatko on the edge, comfort should be there.
Coach O’Gurek says Potential to be successful if some key role players emerge in new roles, especially at QB & WR on offense, and in the secondary on defense. Returning starters along the line of scrimmage and in front 7 of defense will allow us to be competitive while newcomers gain experience. Excited about the opportunity to compete against some great teams in Schuylkill League Division 3.
Returning Players: Michael Gelatko, TE-DE, 6-4, 230, senior Aidan Milkovits, OL-DL, 6-2, 252, senior Julian Hermany, OL-DL, 6-0, 230, senior Zach Holt, OL-LB, 6-0, 225, senior Mason Soult, OL, 6-1, 210, senior Charles Hower, LB, 6-0, 188, senior Rory Dixon, RB-DB, 5-10, 170, sophomore
Newcomers: Dylan Rodino, QB, 6-2, 205, senior Nick Shigo, QB, 6-2, 190, junior Gregory Tirpak, QB, 6-3, 190, freshman Chase Hower, TE-DE, 6-1, 190, senior Hunter Sartori, WR-DB, 6-0, 170, junior Michael Johnson, WR-DB, 5-10, 130, senior Jah Bushati, RB-LB, 5-11, 175, junior Rocco Griguoli, TE-DE, 6-4, 190, sophomore Tyler Price, WR-DB, 6-0, 172, freshman Sam Turrano, OL-DL, 5-8, 225, senior Connor Rehnert, OL-DL, 6-0, 266, senior
Minersville
Head Coach: Justin Frantz
2023 Record: 10-3
The Miners had a nice season last year, but, to repeat and improve they’ll need to replace some big time players. Luke Stevenosky was a horse at RB but he’s gone as are Lorenzo Yourey and Cade Schultz. Bright Spot? Dante Carr returns at quarterback. They also return most of their offensive line.
Coach Frantz says We need to replace some key starters on both sides of the ball including the state’s second leading rusher and team’s leading tackler, Luke Stevenosky. Dante Carr will be counted on to throw the ball more this season than last year, but will have a lot of weapons back who have played a lot of football and caught a lot of passes (Logan Hutsko, Matt Dube, Paiten Lapoint, Jake Kavanaugh, Easton Schultz, among others). Four starters return on the offensive line, led by four year starting center Owen Fortna; he is joined by AJ Halford, Aiden Boom, and Dommie Yourey, Defensively there are 7 starters returning to a defense that played very aggressively and forced a lot of turnovers last year. This team can be very successful if we continue to take steps forward. Finding two new captains to go along with returning captains Easton Schultz and Dante Carr will be very important this summer.
Returning Players: Dante Carr QB Logan Hutsko WR/DB Paiten Lapoint WR AJ Halford OL/LB Owen Fortna C/DE Aiden Boom OL/DL Dom Yourey OL/DL Easton Schultz RB/DB Jake Kavanaugh WR/DB Matt Dube WR/LB Logan Rizzardi LB Ethan Borrell DL
Nativity BVM
Head Coach: Pat Mason
2023 Record: 5-6
Look for Nativity to be very competitive this season. Coach Mason has a large group of returning players this year.
Coach Mason says We return most of starters on offense and defense, so I am expecting this year to be a much better year for our program. Last year we had some significant injuries to key players, so we had a chance to play a lot of younger players throughout the year. Staying healthy will be the key to our success. Our roster is significantly smaller than it has been in the past so we will need everyone to step and contribute.
Returning Players: Ben Kreitzer, QB, 5’9”, 152, Sr, Samuel Spolski, RB/LB, 5’9”, 188, Sr, Noah Dolbin, WR/DB, 6’5”, 192, Sr, Michael Stank, WR/DB, 5’9”, 140, Sr, Gavin Frie, TE/LB, 5’11”, 170, Sr, Sam Walborn, RB/DB, 5’8”, 155, Sr, Mark Kimmel, OL/DL, 6’1”. 305, Sr, George Shimko, OL/DL, 6’3”, 218, Jr, Andrew Verchick, OL, 6’, 253, Sr, Jasir Jones, OL/DL, 5’10”, 262, Sr, Drew Seaman, LB, 5’9”, 193, Sr
Newcomers: Nikolas Steele, RB/LB, Nolan Daynorowicz, WR/DB, Coy Mason, OL/DL, Lukas McNamara, OL/DL, Colt Mason, WR/DB, Aiden Becker, RB/LB, Evan Ritter, RB/LB, Dalton Seisler, OL/DL, Aiden Ricard, OL/DL, Jacob Williams, WR/DB, Noah Bulino, RB/DB, Sean Kramer, TE/LB, Connor Felty, RB/LB, Aaron Sinko, TE/LB, Connor Palerino, OL/DL, Thomas Bechtel, OL/DL, Cooper Felty, RB/LB, Luke Strausser, TE/DE, Tovon Garcia, RB/DB, Marshall Dolbin, OL/DL, Vaughn Vesay, OL/DL
Panther Valley
Head Coach: Mark Lavine
2023 Record: 2-8
It wasn’t a great season last year for the Panthers. They have the parts to be better, Coach Lavine says I think we can take a big step forward if we can play better team defense and tackle better, be more consistent on offense and stay healthy.
They do return several key pieces to the puzzle of a winning season. Brody Breiver returns at qb and Brennan Kunkel gives them experience in the backfield. Four offensive linemen and 2 receivers make a nice group. On defense, Logan Fisher and a whole host of DBs return.
Returning Players: Brennan Kunkel, RB/DB, 6’0″, 180, 2025 Brody Breiver, QB/DB 5’10”, 170, 2026 Brady Jones, WR/DB, 5’10”, 170, 2025 Frank Shubeck, WR/DB, 5’11”, 170, 2025 Marco Tessitore, OL/DL, 6’2″, 315, 2026 Logan Fisher, TE/LB, 6’2″, 205, 2025 Michael Williams, OL/DL, 5’10”, 215, 2025 Clinton Dyer, OL/DL, 5’10”, 240, 2025 Marcus Rodriguez, OL/DL, 5’11”, 225
Newcomers: Zack Seifert (OL,DL) Spencer Black (OL/DL) Gavin Yuricheck (WR/LB) Ben Baneravage (WR/DB) Jerry Harrison (OL/DL) Carlos Maldanado (OL/DL)
Pine Grove
Head Coach: Dave Shiffer
2023 Record: 2-8
Coach Shiffer says We are thrilled to compete within a new division alongside longstanding rivals from Schuylkill County. This new division promises a high level of competitiveness with exciting matchups scheduled on a weekly basis. We’re entering a new season with some fresh talent ready to step up and make their mark after saying goodbye to some experienced players due to graduation.
Offensive Outlook: On the offensive front, significant changes are in store as we look to fill four out of five positions on our offensive line. James Barra remains a pivotal figure as our sole returning starter, poised to lead a unit that will introduce fresh talent. A strong contingent of receivers, featuring standout players like TE Robbie Schaeffer and WR Brody Ibarra, will complement a diverse running game led by Logan Troup, Alex Pillsbury, and Wyatt Snyder. Wyatt Dixon is primed to assume the quarterback role and orchestrate a well-rounded offensive approach.
Defensive Outlook: Our Defensive MVP from the 2023 season, Brody Ibarra, will continue to make a significant impact, anchoring our defense from the strong safety position. Emphasizing an aggressive style focused on creating turnovers, our defense will draw strength from interception leader CB Teagan Schenck-Haines. The front will benefit from the experience of returning players Wyatt Snyder and Tyler Nein while expecting promising new additions to bolster our defensive unit.
Special Teams Outlook: A key focus for our special teams is the replacement of the dependable K/P Evan Karenda, who has moved on to pursue his career at Lebanon Valley College. Several contenders are vying to step into this important role. Notably, All-State kick returner Teagan Schneck-Haines will continue to be a force on special teams, poised to make a significant impact throughout the season.
Returning Players: Offensive Returners: Sr. TE/ WR Robbie Schaeffer 6’5 220 Sr. WR Brody Ibarra 5’11 175 Jr. OL James Barra 6’1 210 Jr. FB Wyatt Snyder 6’3 230
Defensive Returners: Sr. DB Brody Ibarra 5’11 175 Jr. LB Wyatt Snyder 6’3 230 Jr. NG Tyler Nein 6’2 310 Sr. DB Robbie Schaeffer 6’5 220 Sr. DB Gage Lewis 5’8 144 So. DB Teagan Schneck-Haines 6’0 165 Special Team Returners: Jr. H Wyatt Dixon 5’11 175 Jr. LS James Barra 6’1 210 So. KR Teagan Schneck-Haines 6’0 165 Sr. PR Gage Lewis 5’8 144
Schuylkill Haven
Head Coach: Mike Farr
2023 Record: 9-3
When coach Farr says “if you don’t have us on your radar you aren’t paying attention” we listen. The Hurricanes return nearly every player from last years team. Yes, it will be hard to find someone to do what Aidan Myers did but The two Nicks, Carestia and Castillo, are grinders. Look for a lot of pound and ground from the Hurricanses this season.
Coach Farr says: We need to have an effective running attack while limiting our opponents offensive opportunities. We need to have solid DB play and dominate the box. Hunter Correll will be a weapon for us.
Returning Players: Leyden Hertz, WR/DB, 6’2, 180. 2025 Adam Balulis, QB/DB, 5’10, 175, 2026 Niko Carestia, RB/LB, 5’9, 205, 2026 Niko Castillo, RB/LB, 6’2, 215, 2026 Colton Reber, RB/LB, 6’0, 200, 2027 Aaron Gilbert, WR/DB, 6’0, 190, 2026 Blake Rossi, WR/DB, 6’2, 180, 2026 Chase Leibensperger, TE/LB, 5’11, 200, 2027 Chase Williams, OL/DL, 6’2, 340, 2026 Wyatt Keefer, OL/DL, 6’2, 290, 2026 Ethan Kline, OL/DL, 5’10, 250, 2026 Brian Moran, OL/DL, 6’0, 250, 2025 Adam Malinoski, TE/LB, 225, 2025 Nate Chamberlain, OL/DL, 245, 2025 Brayden Fasnacht, QB/DB, 175, 2025
Newcomers: Hunter Correll, Kicker Brody Brand, OL/DL Brayden Diehl, DB Triston Davis, MLB Logan Goad, RB/DB
Shenandoah Valley
Head Coach: Dave Bench
2023 Record: 2-9
It’s a numbers game for the Blue Devils. They’ve been hit low numbers the past several years and this year it’s not much different. Shenandoah Valley will be looking to return to fundamentals to build from the bottom up. They only return 7 players with experience.
Coach Bench says We need to focus on the fundamentals of blocking/tackling and limiting mistakes. We will have to rely on some of the younger players who got some experience playing varsity last year as freshmen along with some new players and freshmen this year. We have a few senior players that we are looking to step up as leaders and build a new culture with a new coaching staff as well. Overall be an aggressive and scrappy team and limit the big plays on defense.
Returning Players: Brayden Lutz C/LB 2025 Jeremy Thomas RB/LB 2025 Tristian Karosas QB/DE 2025 David Burrous TE/LB 2027 Joel Nunez RB/DB 2027 Todd Seiger WR/DB 2027 Mike Elchisak RB/LB 2027
Newcomers: Aiden Longo OL/DL Aiden Phinazee WR/S Andrew Czerny TE/LB Caden Myers OL/DL Cam Petrushonis OL/LB Christopher Castro OL/DE Dakota Delaura OL/DE Ethan Bench QB/DE Gene Sinkus WR/DB Jonnuel Reyes WR/DB Kvyonn Christopher OL/DL Xavier Hernandez WR/DB
Tri-Valley
Head Coach: Jeff Sampson
2023 Record: 5-5
Can the Bulldogs return to prominence? Blake Schwartz leads a young group of returning players at his quarterback spot. The Dogs will need some of the younger guys to step up and according to Sampson, they’ve bee putting in the work to do so.
Coach Sampson says Great attendance at summer workouts. Freshman class of 17 helps replace seniors 2023. Leadership from senior and junior classes is imperative. How quickly we gel will determine our outcome.
Returning Players: Blake Schwartz, QB/DE, 6’6″ 210 SR, Ryan Colohan, OL/LB 6’3″ 230 SR, Hogan Troutman, OL/DL 185 SR, Cole Gemberling, RB/LB 5’10” 215 JR, Max Masser, WR/DE 6’0″ 190 JR, Owen Mitchell, OL, 6’1″ 265 JR, Doyle Flory, WR/DB 6’2″ 175 SO, Trey Porter, WR/DB 6’3″ 180 SO.
Newcomers: Kayden Lucas OG, Shawn Singh RB/DB, Randy Hartman OL/DL, Mikade Mowery LB/RB, Elliott Stiely OG/LB, Jimmy Fetterhoff TE/LB, Donovan Keeth RB/DT, Cayne Shadel OG/DT, Lucas Schwartz TE/DE, Nate Hillard K, Parker Hatter RB/LB, Remmington Klinger QB/WR/DB.
Williams Valley
Head Coach: Stephen Sedesse
2023 Record: 10-3
What do you do when one of the best running backs in the state graduates? You don’t replace an Alex Achenbach, you search for someone that can come close. Coach Sedesse has his work cut out for him but he returns a veteran line and Brady Shomper at QB. Skylor Green and Fletcher Thompson are tasked with filling the hole left by Achenbach.
Coach Sedesse says they have to find our identity offensively early, and use our experience upfront.
Returning Players: Kian Krzyzanowski (WR,DB)12, Brayden Crisswell (TE,DE) 12, Jesse Koons (OL,DL)12, Skylor Green (FB,LB)12, Cam Green (T,DL)11, Brady Shomper (QB,DB)11, Evan Achenbach (WR,DB) 11, Robbie Hoffman (C) 11, Bryce Zilinski (OL,DE) 11, Evan Kandybowski (HB,LB) 11, Blazer Lords (ATH)11 Trevon Bair (MLB) 10
Newcomers: Fletcher Thompson (HB,LB) 9, Blazer Lords (ATH) 11,
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
